A new academy school in a Yorkshire mill town merges the lives and cultures of the largely divided white and Asian community
Seasons & Episode
A new teacher joins the school, with outspoken views that capture the hearts of Fizza and Hassan. Marina's efforts to boost her standing on social media cause outrage among the parents and puts Martin in a very difficult position.
Kayla is sent into a spiral of anxiety as she contemplates having sex with Johnny, and receives some devastating news as a consequence of Jules' new job. Kaneez is given the task of heading up the Year 11 sex education classes, while Asma is unwillingly partnered with Hassan to revive the girls' rugby team.
Johnny spirals down a dangerous path to try to make Kayla stay in Ackley. Martin risks all to help get Johnny out of trouble. Marina's brother Kyle lands at school, causing chaos for Kaneez and persuading Marina to stay with him on the estate.
Kaneez is caught up in a puppy heist while trying to manage tearaway Kyle and study for her GCSEs. Fizza seeks Asma's help but makes a shock discovery.
Asma appeals to Fizza, desperate to keep her alcoholism a secret, but her problems only get worse. Marina intervenes in Fizza and Chloe's romance.
With the support of Fizza, Hayley and Chloe, Marina finds the strength and courage to understand her sexual assault. Everything comes to a head when St Marks arrive back at Ackley for the boys' rugby match.
On exam day, Fizza receives a distressing call from Asif that makes her drop everything. Meanwhile, Kyle steals an exam paper for Kaneez, and Asma finally realises that she needs to get professional help.
On the the day of the leavers ball, Johnny decides to quit his audition after having a crisis of confidence - though Rashid is determined to change his mind. Fizza struggles to cope after her father is hospitalised, while Martin's head is on the block at the school governors' meeting, but Marina has a plan to help.