S03E20: A roof caves in on Rachel and Hordley

It’s the last day of term at Waterloo Road, and head teacher Rachel is on top of the world - Stuart Hordley is off her case and her plans for the school are finally coming together.

Elsewhere, Grantly’s trying to head off Sheila Hanson from the examinations board before she can get to meet Rachel. Grantly’s determined to cover up the kids cheating at exams.

Hordley turns up, witnessing Waterloo Road storming to victory in a Spelling Bee against a local school. In front of an audience of kids, parents and teachers, Rachel makes a speech but she’s stopped when Hordley exposes her past as a prostitute. Rachel confesses, and leaves to pack up her possessions, convinced she’s finished despite the cheers of support.

Mrs Hanson tracks Rachel down and lets her know about exam cheating. Fighting for the school’s reputation, Rachel suspends Grantly, putting Tom in charge of the investigation. He’s appalled when he sees one of the cheating pupils is Chlo.

In the kitchens, Hordley’s swigging sherry and smoking. He storms off, throwing a fag-end into a bin. There’s a fight when he bumps into Rachel, he ends up badly injured.

The bins burst into flames from Hordley’s fag-end there’s a massive explosion when gas cylinders ignite. There’s widespread panic as everyone tries to flee the flames.

Donte’s discovers Chlo’s trapped, and goes to rescue her. Celine wants him to stay - she’s pregnant. Disbelieving, Donte storms off. Tom’s overjoyed when Donte brings out Chlo, but his joy’s short-lived when Davina is brought out, unconscious.

Rachel sees an injured Hordley. She starts to drag him out, but the roof collapses burying her and Hordley with it.