Geoff Figg, a new teacher at a highly problematic comprehensive school, feels that corporal punishment may only be inflaming trouble, and so begins to campaign against it.

Barry and Sally Wyatt wish to educate their children at home, but the authorities have other ideas. From 1969 and 1980, we see how this affects the various individuals and attitudes.

Isolated, overweight, teenage kleptomaniac Angie is pushed from pillar to post as the authorities struggle to decide what to do with her.

After being sent to an assessment center, 16-year-old skinhead Trevor clashes with the social workers, who want to conform him to the status quo.