Fourth episode of Series 14.
Synopsis[]
Val Chambers comes under pressure from Steve to produce a good set of mock exam results in A-level music. She unsuccessfully argues that the theoretical side of the subject isn't as important as the practical one. When Noel - who has never been academically gifted, but is a talented musician nonetheless - fails, Val questions an education system that values results over personal development, and her role in it. Her imminent departure sends shockwaves throughout the school.
Whilst newly engaged Donte attends a recruitment event for budding teachers, replacement caretaker Jamie takes the reins. Nicky suspects Steve's hand in Donte's absence and questions his ulterior motives.
Tonya continues to struggle with severe abdominal pains and bleeding. Nicky is alarmed when Tonya's GP suggests the contraceptive pill as something that could help with the symptoms. When she is taken to hospital, no clear diagnosis is made.
Schuey's campaign of intimidation against Billy continues and he considers pulling out of a performance at the battle of the bands. Noel, under the impression that Val has been fired, changes the venue as a mark of protest.
Witnessing his son's performance of his late wife's favourite song leads Steve to reconsider how to support the less academically able students. He extends an olive branch to Val, who agrees to withdraw her resignation. Schuey, stinging from a rebuff by Stace Neville and jealous of Billy's success, assaults him in the car park after the event finishes.
Cast[]
Staff[]
- Jason Manford as Steve Savage
- James Baxter as Joe Casey
- Saira Choudhry as Nisha Chandra
- Jo Coffey as Wendy Whitwell
- Neil Fitzmaurice as Neil Guthrie
- Rachel Leskovac as Coral Walker
- Kym Marsh as Nicky Walters
- Katherine Pearce as Amy Spratt
- Shauna Shim as Valerie Chambers
- Adam Thomas as Donte Charles
- Hollie-Jay Bowes as Debs Rafferty
- Robert Beck as Jamie Haines (First appearance)
- Tom Wells as Marc Todd
Students[]
- Tillie Amartey as Stace Neville
- Zak Sutcliffe as Schuey Weever
- Olly Rhodes as Billy Savage
- Aabay-Noor Ali as Mog Richardson
- Chiamaka Ulebor as Shola Aku
- Thapelo Ray as Dwayne Jackson
- Randi Agyare as Millie Adebayo
- Liam Scholes as Noel McManus
- Summer Bird as Tonya Walters
- Lucy Begg as Caz Williams
- Alicia Forde as Kelly Jo Rafferty
- Noah Valentine as Preston Walters
- Sonya Nisa as Aleena Qureshi
- Miya Ocego as Lois Taylor-Brown
- Nathan Wood as Boz Osbourne
Others[]
- Melissa Graham as Dr Shah (One-off appearance)
- Stephen Hoyle as Dr Raphael (One-off appearance)
- Kerry Howard as Serena Michelle Davies
