Justin is having troubles with his over-protective mother. Mrs. McClusky makes a start at the school, which is having vandalism problems. She puts new rules in place prohibiting pupils from staying inside during breaks. Tuck shop prices go up, and up and up. Trisha and Cathy form a group with some other girls. There's a competition to make a new design for the School Magazine, with a tenner for a prize, and Tucker thinks he's in with a chance. When a deliberate fire is started, and someone injured, a new prefect scheme is started.

The Tuck Shop prices rise again. Trisha is torn between fighting against the school lockout and being part of Cathy's band; Mr Sutcliffe persuades the girls that she'll have to go. Tucker catches a 1st former writing graffiti, but gets accused himself by the caretaker.

Pogo overhears a girl talk about "time of the month", and tries the same excuse! A medical is in the offing for the 2nd Year - everyone speculates about how intrusive it will be. Alan worries about whether his smoking vice will be spotted, Clare is worried too, because she's not started her periods, and Selena is worried because her country's customs disapprove of undressing in company.

Gripper Stebson makes his first appearance and gives Grange Hill a bad reputation at the sweet shop. Mr Hicks seems to be a bit of a head-case at the swimming lesson: he pushes Christopher Stewart (Stewpot) who cuts his head. He talks his way out of it, when Stewpot's parents come to complain, because the boys are scared of him. Mr. Baxter announces that Mr Hicks will be taking P.E. Mr. Hicks now has it in for Stewpot. Miss Lexington senses something is wrong and speaks to Bullet Baxter, who reprimands her for listening to tittle-tattle, however, older kids are ...

While talking about the bad behaviour of Doyle, Trisha learns that the school has a file on her. Tucker seems confident about his art winning the Magazine Cover Competition, but Doyle seems determined to scupper him. Trisha and Susi have another meeting about their rights and problems- a poll is being held asking everyone about their opinions. Trisha goes to see Mrs. McClusky about being treated like kids, and asks to see her file. Alan finds Susi is at his house, and she ropes him into working out a plan of action.

The School Disco is in danger of being cancelled if Tucker doesn't grass on Booga Benson.

Duane is infatuated with Miss Lexington, and Danny's ill-conceived lottery falls foul of Gripper's dirty tricks.

Trisha gets involved with the school council when a rumour starts that school uniform might be brought back.

Tommy Watson has left it too late for the trip to France. Or has he?

Tucker's making a mess out of asking Pamela Cartwright out, and Andrew Stanton is found drunk, and unconscious.

Tucker devises a plan to prove that Alan is seeing Susi.

So who are better, boys or girls? An end of term contest takes place to find the answer.