The BEST episodes of Waterloo Road

Every episode of Waterloo Road ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Waterloo Road!

Affairs, scandals, blackmail and many, many headteachers. Who said education was easy?

Last Updated: 12/21/2024Network: BBC OneStatus: Continuing
Episode 3
star
9.55
44 votes

#1 - Episode 3

Season 7 - Episode 3 - Aired 5/18/2011

Amy Porter has a stalker, which draws battle lines between Karen and Eleanor. Rose and Tom try to protect Sambuca from the truth about her life-threatening tumour. Ronan proposes to Vicki - but can she resist Aiden's advances?

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Episode 20
star
9.48
50 votes

#2 - Episode 20

Season 3 - Episode 20 - Aired 3/13/2008

t's the last day of term; Stuart Hordley discards a cigarette butt carelessly at the school causing a widespread fire. Who will live and who will die?

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Episode 1
star
8.78
69 votes

#3 - Episode 1

Season 6 - Episode 1 - Aired 9/1/2010

New headmistress Karen Fisher sets out to revolutionise the school but faces tough challenges, beginning with two home-schooled pupils who are struggling to adapt to the mainstream education system. Elsewhere, Chris discovers that the girl he slept with is one of his pupils - and Karen's daughter. Starring Amanda Burton, William Ash, Linzey Cocker and Wil Johnson

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Episode 4
star
8.75
44 votes

#4 - Episode 4

Season 5 - Episode 4 - Aired 11/18/2009

Luke has a day from hell when the pupils find out about his family life and Max's tough discipline pushes him to breaking point.

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Episode 5
star
8.73
44 votes

#5 - Episode 5

Season 5 - Episode 5 - Aired 11/25/2009

Ruby's luxurious lifestyle crashes around her ears, and Max comes under scrutiny.

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Episode 9
star
8.58
50 votes

#6 - Episode 9

Season 4 - Episode 9 - Aired 3/4/2009

Everyone at Waterloo Road is still reeling with grief over to shocking death of Maxine Barlow, especially Rachel who feel's that it's her fault for allowing Earl to attend the school and feels that she should resign with immediate effect. Steph and Janeece are still in shock over losing Maxine, with Steph refusing to reveal her true feelings and Janeece blaming herself. The recent shooting brings forth some new evidence of the school shooting and Rachel set's about getting Denzel released. On a more positive not, seeing how valuable life is Donte's surprises Chlo to a surprise proposition to renew their marriage vows. and he's not the only one full of surprises as Eddie tells Mellissa that he's organised a beach wedding but, can she solve her marital issues before it's too late.

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Episode 11
star
8.58
45 votes

#7 - Episode 11

Season 4 - Episode 11 - Aired 3/18/2009

It's the start of a new term at Waterloo Road, and the school welcomes back Kim Campbell as the new 'Head of Pastoral Care' however, when Kim arrives with a new baby but no Andrew the rumour mill stats to roll. First on her agenda is to organise a careers day but, things go into turmoil when a Jordan-esque glamour model, named Sarah-Leanne arrives and causes a whole load of trouble. Also, Rachel, Eddie and Philip are all trying to get back to normal after Melissa's departure but when Kim wrongly accuses Phillip of sexual assault on a visitor it's clear it's not going to be easy. And the career's day inspires both Janeece and Chlo on their goals for the future and, when Chlo reveals he wish to go to university to better herself Tom's thrilled but Donte is not as enthusiastic.

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Episode 13
star
8.57
42 votes

#8 - Episode 13

Season 5 - Episode 13 - Aired 4/21/2010

An overweight pupil causes problems with his bad attitude, while Kim and Chris argue over Michaela when he refuses to accept her on his advanced university preparation scheme. Ruby feels snubbed when Rachel hires a new chef to lead the school's healthy eating campaign - and the successful applicant turns out to be a welcome face from the headteacher's past. Drama, starring Angela Griffin, William Ash and Eva Pope, with Steven Waddingham

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Episode 18
star
8.56
18 votes

#9 - Episode 18

Season 4 - Episode 18 - Aired 5/6/2009

Bitter battle lines are drawn between Chlo and Donte as they wrangle over their baby’s future, but when Chlo goes into a complicated premature labour, Donte finds himself at risk of losing his baby and his wife. Meanwhile, a Home Office official turns up at the school to tell a shocked Eddie and Rachel that Kim has taken Grace from Rwanda against her father's wishes. The officials paint her as little more than a criminal who paid another woman for her baby. What follows sees Kim’s world come crashing down around her.

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Paradise Found
star
8.46
13 votes

#10 - Paradise Found

Season 8 - Episode 20 - Aired 3/7/2013

It’s exam day and Scout’s promising future is in jeopardy thanks to mum, Tina; Connor is torn between the two women in his life as his secret wedding to Imogen approaches; and opportunity comes calling for Chalky and Kevin.

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Episode 17
star
8.45
47 votes

#11 - Episode 17

Season 4 - Episode 17 - Aired 4/29/2009

Steph’s return to Waterloo Road starts badly when a pupil leads a class revolt and Rachel blames the problem on her poor teaching skills. The day takes a dramatic turn when Steph discovers the same pupil in a life-threatening situation, but can her actions redeem herself in Rachel’s eyes? Meanwhile Donte is struggling with Chlo’s decision to put their baby up for adoption so that she can pursue her dream of going to university. A concerned Kim mediates. She urges Chlo to involve Donte and ask Tom for advice, but Chlo seems determined to proceed no matter what.

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Episode 17
star
8.41
44 votes

#12 - Episode 17

Season 5 - Episode 17 - Aired 6/2/2010

Jo learns Ros, one of her brightest students, has developed a crush on her, and informs Rachel about it. However, when the pupil publicly retaliates, Rachel is forced to suspend her colleague. Elsewhere, Adam is allowed to set up a new takeaway scheme to promote healthy eating, but has to pick up the pieces when Ruby is evicted from her place by Steph. Drama, starring Sarah Jane Potts

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Episode 3
star
8.38
48 votes

#13 - Episode 3

Season 4 - Episode 3 - Aired 1/21/2009

Davina's reputation is at stake when she is accused of racism by Maaka Lacey, a Maori supply teacher with an alternative approach to education. With just her word against an experienced teacher's, will she be able to clear her name? Meanwhile, Earl Kelly's behaviour pushes Tom to breaking point, leading him to question his future as Head of Pastoral Care. Also, Rachel struggles to hide her true feelings when she discovers Melissa and Eddie are a couple. And, an ill-thought out lie from Steph looks like it might just spell the end for Grantly's marriage.

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Love Hurts
star
8.36
11 votes

#14 - Love Hurts

Season 8 - Episode 25 - Aired 5/28/2013

Steve-O continues his reign of terror over Connor and Kevin, forcing Dynasty into a shock decision; Christine contemplates moving on from Waterloo Road; and Lula makes an unlikely ally in the shape of new science teacher, Esther Fairclough.

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Episode 7
star
8.33
3 votes

#15 - Episode 7

Season 12 - Episode 7 - Aired 6/27/2023

It’s the debut of Radio Waterloo Road, and as Danny uses the launch to rehabilitate himself, Myles has other ideas in mind – with explosive ramifications for the entire school.

Writer: Paul Mousley
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Spartacus
star
8.33
12 votes

#16 - Spartacus

Season 8 - Episode 19 - Aired 2/28/2013

Barry's behaviour finally makes Sian snap. With Sian's teaching career on the line, can Michael and the school save her? Elsewhere, Christine discovers Connor and Imogen are engaged, Kevin and Chalky's new phone app causes a stir and Scout's mum makes an unwelcome return.

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Nowhere to Run
star
8.30
10 votes

#17 - Nowhere to Run

Season 8 - Episode 21 - Aired 5/2/2013

Lula disapproves when new Waterloo Road pupil, Fergal, tempts Harley to behave dangerously out of character; Lorraine makes a surprise announcement; and Grantly struggles to keep his illness under wraps.

Directors: Daniel Wilson
Writer: Viv Adams
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Episode 20
star
8.28
18 votes

#18 - Episode 20

Season 4 - Episode 20 - Aired 5/20/2009

Waterloo Road is in the final of North West Schools Choir of the Year competition, but things take a bad turn when it becomes apparent that Flick stole the lyrics for the song. Rachel decides to save the reputation of the school and withdraws them from the competition. Matt’s gutted and can’t bear for all their hard work and effort to go to waste. Can he and Steph pull out the stops and re-write another song in time to still take part? Back at the school, a loved-up Eddie is totally gob smacked to find Melissa waiting for him. He’s in for a further shock when she reveals that she’s pregnant.

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star
8.27
11 votes

#19 - Whole Lotto Trouble

Season 8 - Episode 12 - Aired 1/10/2013

It’s all about the money this week when Phoenix and Harley win the lottery, but their good fortune is overshadowed by the arrival of their father, Nelson. Nikki is forced to question her actions towards Scout, and Michael finds a friend in Christine when he gets news about his court case.All Phoenix and Harley want to do is spend, spend, spend, but Nelson’s arrival casts a shadow and causes division. Phoenix reckons Nelson’s only interested in their winnings and feels vindicated when their father reveals his business is in financial trouble. Angry at his father’s deception, Phoenix wants nothing to do with Nelson, but Harley, and then Lorraine, suggest it might be a good idea to invest some of their lottery win into the family business. But, Phoenix has one condition – he wants an apprenticeship in the firm. With the blessing of his brother Harley and the school, Phoenix prepares to bid an emotional farewell to Waterloo Road. Elsewhere, Nikki suspects Scout has stolen her car and handbag and sets about punishing the pupil. However, Scout discovers Barry is the real culprit and threatens to expose him, but master manipulator Barry suggests another course of action to wronged Scout.

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Episode 6
star
8.25
20 votes

#20 - Episode 6

Season 3 - Episode 6 - Aired 11/15/2007

Waterloo Road and Jack are in the spotlight once more when it breaks to the reporters that Chlo is missing, and Donte steals Lewis' moped in order to look for her. Jack's day worsens with the discovery he's manipulated the school's budget, and he's still trying to win Davina back. It seems nothing can go right for him...

Directors: Luke Watson
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Episode 10
star
8.18
11 votes

#21 - Episode 10

Season 7 - Episode 10 - Aired 7/6/2011

The school faces an independent inspection and it is revealed Chris allowed a pupil to spend the night at his house. Both Karen's job and the school's future are on the line, and as the staff rally round, Jess tells Eleanor if she wants to save Waterloo Road she needs to take action. Meanwhile, the prospect of being taken into care causes Scout to run away - with Chris, the police and a drug dealer in pursuit. Last in the series.

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Text Rated
star
8.18
11 votes

#22 - Text Rated

Season 9 - Episode 4 - Aired 9/26/2013

It is the launch party for Waterloo Junk-tion and Rhiannon’s determined to bag herself a date. George attempts to sort things out with Princess but learns that it might be too late. Audrey finally works out that her new friend Moira isn't what she seems to be.

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Episode 19
star
8.15
13 votes

#23 - Episode 19

Season 4 - Episode 19 - Aired 5/13/2009

Still reeling from losing Grace, Kim struggles to hold it together as organiser of a fundraising day at the school. But will a surprise visit from her ex, Andrew Treneman bring the support she needs or just raise more questions about Kim’s conduct in Rwanda? Meanwhile Rose Kelly and Candice Smilie prepare a menu for the relief day using their knock-off meat. It’s past its sell-by-date but they’ve given it a once-over and taken off the labels so that no-one is any the wiser. However, when a mystery illness strikes the school, the dodgy dealings in the canteen come under suspicion.

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Episode 20
star
8.13
16 votes

#24 - Episode 20

Season 5 - Episode 20 - Aired 7/15/2010

Amy's relationship with Finn takes a terrifying turn when he suggests a radical proposal to ensure they stay together. Meanwhile, as Rachel and Adam prepare to walk down the aisle, trouble at the school puts the bride's attendance at the ceremony in jeopardy. Starring Jack McMullen and Eva Pope. Last in the series

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The Price Of Love
star
8.13
8 votes

#25 - The Price Of Love

Season 8 - Episode 8 - Aired 10/11/2012

Quiet student,Morag decides to take participate in Lorraine's bench design competition. She confides in her little brother that, if she wins, their estranged mum might find out and get in touch with them. When Tom turns up to collect Morag's bench design, her father Kai can't resist the opportunity to preach about his Freeganist, anti-money beliefs. But his moral high-ground becomes shaky when he learns the competition carries a substantial cash prize for the winner.Enraged at his daughter's deception, Kai forces Morag to destroy her handcrafted bench. Horrified, Tom decides to take matters into his own hands and secretly helps Morag design another bench, resulting in a clash of beliefs between Kai and Lorraine. Meanwhile,Connor attempts to help Christine by marking her late coursework, but this backfires as he gives everyone a top grade. Suspicious, Audrey confronts Christine about the irregular grades, forcing the English teacher to cover her tracks. Now considering Audrey as the enemy within, Christine lodges a false complaint of bullying against her to Michael.Later, when Connor finds his mother is drinking again, he finds a potentially lethal outlet for his frustrations. Elsewhere, new boy Kevin turns up at Waterloo Road and quickly draws attention to himself, not least from Chalky who suspects the schoolboy is more intelligent than he's letting on. Also this week, Madi tries to persuade Sian to let her spread her wings and leave school, while Billy has a surprising request for Michael to consider.

Directors: Fraser MacDonald
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