Ruby Fry is in her late thirties and is Waterloo Road’s answer to Anthea Turner - airlifted in by Max to teach the kids how to cook – because it’s now a compulsory part of the curriculum. She’s passionate about food and cooking but Max wants her to teach table manners as well. Oh and if possible, personal hygiene, social skills, planning on a budget ...  In fact, Ruby has the job of turning the kids’ lives around in every sphere. Which is fine by her – she gets to indulge her favourite pastime – showing the plebs how it’s done. 

Ruby isn’t in teaching for the money - architect husband John brings in the big bucks – but a change in her financial circumstances half way through the term forces Ruby to reassess her priorities and make some important sacrifices.