Carry On Teacher

During the term, William Wakefield, a veteran at Maudlin Street Secondary Modern School, acts as headmaster. He spots an advertisement for a headmaster position at a brand-new school near his birthplace and decides to apply. He sees this as his chance to move forward.

An official visit by Miss Wheeler and Dr. Alistair Grigg is scheduled to coincide with Wakefield's search for a new post. Wakefield decides to enlist his staff to help ensure that the school routine runs smoothly during the inspection. The looming visit raises the stakes for everyone involved.

Wakefield convenes a conference with his teaching staff—Gregory Adams, Edwin Milton, Michael Bean, Sarah Allcock, and Grace Short—to plan the inspection. They outline roles, reassure one another, and commit to keeping the classes orderly. The meeting aims to present a well-run operation under pressure.

Pupil Robin Stevens overhears Wakefield's plan to leave at term end. He rushes the information to his classmates, who vow to sabotage anything that might earn Wakefield praise. Their plan is to undermine the headmaster's chances to secure his new post.

Grigg and Wheeler arrive with Wakefield and tour the school. Throughout the inspection, pupils deliberately misbehave in each class to derail the process. The teachers try to maintain control despite the disruptions.

During the tour, Grigg is attracted to Sarah Allcock, the gym mistress, and Wheeler feels an instinctive warmth toward Adams after visiting his class. The developing affections complicate Wakefield's plans. The visit highlights the personal tensions underlying the inspection.

Wakefield realizes his position as headmaster is threatened and asks Adams to make advances to Miss Wheeler to win her over. Adams is initially aghast at the idea but agrees to try his best. The scheme adds a moral dilemma to the already tense situation.

Adams tries to tell Wheeler of his love but repeatedly fails to find the right moment. At last, an untruth he has carried becomes truth, and he musters the courage to declare his feelings. Wheeler's reaction remains hopeful as the situation shifts.

The pupils' sabotage intensifies as the term wanes. They are caught attempting to derail the prize giving on the last day of term. The staff scramble to salvage the ceremony and maintain dignity.

Wakefield calls the pupils to his study for questioning and learns the true reason behind the sabotages. He discovers they do not want him to leave and that their misbehavior masks their affection for him. The revelation brings him to a moment of quiet emotion.

Moved by the pupils' loyalty, Wakefield tells them he will not depart and promises to see them next term. The decision changes the mood of the school as voices of relief mingle with lingering tensions. The students realize their actions have not driven him away.

Buoyed by her growing feelings for Adams, Miss Wheeler decides to report to the Ministry that staff-pupil relationships at the school are excellent. She believes the bonds observed during the visit reflect positively on both staff and students. The moment hints at a more complex future for the school.