Matt Bashir, former Deputy Principal at a prestigious girls school, is the new Principal at Boxdale Boys High. His appointment his first as principal seriously ruffles the feathers of Ursula Bright, his deputy, who had been gunning for the top job.

She’s not the only one he puts offside. His radical reforms are met with cynicism by a burnt-out staff. He doesn’t fare much better with the students, who predict he won’t last a week. Bashir makes both allies and enemies among the staff and works overtime to get the local community on side. Gradually, he earns the respect of the school police liaison officer Kellie, especially as he takes on the notorious Ahmad brothers, devoting much attention to the younger Tarek with whom he feels a connection. But just as it seems like he’s making some progress a student is found dead on school grounds.

The murder and subsequent police investigation threaten Bashir’s fledgling reforms, his support from staff and even his resolve. But hes determined to do his best for the boys of Boxdale despite his fear that students will take matters into their own hands. The murder investigation shifts from students, gang members, local shopkeepers, parents and the teaching staff. All the while principal Basheer is trying to implement positive reform while facing opposition at every turn.