When newly-qualified teacher Bernard Hedges arrives at Fenn Street Secondary Modern School to start his first job, even he hasn't bargained on what awaits him.

Bernard Hedges has to use all his tact when a member of the art club produces some stunning life studies of one of his unruly class - in the nude.

Things start hotting up for Bernard Hedges when a pupil gets a crush on him. He thinks that he is settling into the district rather well, but when Maureen Bullock is seen leaving his new flat the rumours begin to fly.

Apollon Abapellogopholis means more problems for Bernard Hedges. Pronouncing his name is trouble enough, but when Appollon rings the school fire alarm he decides to take firm measures with the boy.

Bernard Hedges' touching faith in the virtues of 5C is often misplaced. The worst seems to have happened when he entrusts them with the library key in order to look after the library, outside school hours.

An old flame from Bernard's student days turns up as a trainee teacher. She disrupts not only his life but 5C's as well.

End-of-term at Fenn Street, and the staff wait for their traditional presents from their forms. Bernard's anticipation at the thought of what he might get from 5C is tempered by the news that the injured Mr Wiggins will be fit to return as 5C's form master next term.