 The main school in an economically depressed area, Hope Park Comprehensive has been on the verge of closing for years. Things begin to look up when the weary headmaster Neil Bruce (Peter Davison) is replaced by dynamic young Ian George (Lenny Henry). Ian immediately wins over the head of the board of governors, Dennis Hill (Philip Whitchurch) and new teacher Debbie Bryan (Amanda Redman). But can he win the confidence of deputy head Phil Jakes (Clive Russell), deal with the incompetent geography teacher Jan Woolley (Pippa Guard) and prevent Hope Park from closing?