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 is replaced by dynamic young Ian George. Ian immediately wins over the head of the board of governors, Dennis Hill and new teacher Debbie Bryan. But can he win the confidence of deputy head Phil Jakes, deal with the incompetent geography teacher Jan Woolley and prevent Hope Park from closing?