The new term kicks off at Waterloo Road with new arrivals for both staff and students, along with the launch of a controversial scheme to separate the boys and girls. Meanwhile, Bex Fisher continues to hide the details of her disappearance as she begins her first day back at school. In response to the boys' poor exam grades, Karen and Chris introduce a new single-sex teaching initiative, much to the disdain of staff and pupils. Especially unimpressed is the formidable new Head of Pastoral Care, Adanna Lawal, who rallies the rest of the staffroom into action against the segregation.