Matt Bashir was a history teacher and Deputy Principal at a prestigious girls' school, and has now been promoted to Principal of Boxdale Boys High. Boxdale Boys High is a notoriously violent and difficult school and Principal Bashir is brought in because of his different and radical approach to reform. The sudden change brings him into conflict on all fronts and even leaves his personal life exposed. Still, Bashir works overtime to get the local community on side, promising change, but just when it seems he is making progress, a student is found dead on school grounds.

The school is in lockdown as the police investigation into the school murder begins. Bashir battles to contain the frenzy which has ensued at school and the rage of the victim's brother. Can he stop him retaliating? Details of the crime are kept from teachers, students and even Kellie but a fuller picture emerges when George's hospitality class is invaded by police.

The victim's father entreats Bashir to speak to Bilic about releasing his son's body for the funeral. And with the newly accessed phone data, the police have got a new lead.