First episode of Series 6.
Synopsis[]
The arrival of dynamic new headteacher Karen Fisher heralds a fresh start for the school. Opinionated and ambitious, Karen is determined to bring change, making Waterloo Road a safe and vibrant place to learn. However, Karen's steely exterior masks a deeper fragility as she and her family wrestle with a recent tragedy. Karen's first challenge at the school arrives in the form of the Kirbys – sixth-former Jonah and 13-year-old genius Ruth – who have both been home-schooled by their father, Marcus. Marcus's ex-wife, Hannah, wants her children to experience mainstream schooling, but he has little faith in the state education system. While Jonah relishes the opportunity to make new friends and have new experiences, high-achiever Ruth feels she's got little to learn and soon takes matters into her own hands by running away. She is found, but the incident leaves its mark on Karen. There is trouble also for Chris, who has slept with a girl he met in a club, only to discover that it is Karen's schoolgirl daughter Jess. He offers his resignation, but Karen refuses to accept it. New language teacher, Spaniard Cesca Montoya, turns male heads, while a pregnant Janeece Bryant returns as school secretary.
Main cast[]
Staff[]
- Amanda Burton as Karen Fisher (First appearance)
- Ian Puleston-Davies as Charlie Fisher (First appearance)
- William Ash as Christopher Mead
- Jason Done as Tom Clarkson
- Philip Martin Brown as Grantly Budgen
- Elizabeth Berrington as Ruby Fry
- Chelsee Healey as Janeece Bryant (First appearance since S4E20)
- Karen David as Francesca Montoya (First appearance)
Students[]
- Ceallach Spellman as Harry Fisher (First appearance)
- Linzey Cocker as Jess Fisher (First appearance)
- Jack McMullen as Finn Sharkey
- William Rush as Josh Stevenson
- Ayesha Gwilt as Amy Porter
- Darcy Isa as Lauren Andrews
- Anna Jobarteh as Ruth Kirby (First appearance)
- Lucien Laviscount as Jonah Kirby (First appearance)
- Holly Kenny as Sambuca Kelly
- Reece Douglas as Denzil Kelly
- Shannon Flynn as Emily James
- Rebecca Ryan as Vicki MacDonald (First appearance since S5E6)
- Ben-Ryan Davies as Ronan Burley (First appearance)
Others[]
- Wil Johnson as Marcus Kirby (First appearance)
- Kaye Wragg as Hannah Kirby (One-off appearance)
- Tina O'Brien as Bex Fisher (First appearance, guest)
- Alycia Booth as young Bex Fisher in a flashback