The iconic sounds of school bells and hallway chaos return as Waterloo Road opens its gates for a highly anticipated sixteenth season. The failing comprehensive school in Greater Manchester continues to be a melting pot of raw emotion, societal challenges, and small victories, reflecting the very real struggles of the British education system today. This season delves deeper than ever into the complex, intertwined lives of the dedicated staff and resilient students who call Waterloo Road home, proving that every day brings a new lesson in life, both inside the classroom and out.

From tackling budget cuts and behavioural issues to navigating personal crises and unexpected friendships, the series remains a powerful and relatable drama. Expect groundbreaking storylines, heartfelt moments, and the same gritty authenticity that has made it a cornerstone of British television. As new faces arrive and familiar ones face their toughest challenges yet, the school’s spirit is tested, but its heart remains unwavering in the fight to make a difference.

Waterloo Road Season 16 Star cast list

1. Adam Thomas as Donte Charles

Adam Thomas returns as the beloved Donte Charles, a character who has journeyed from a challenging student to a dedicated member of the school staff. Thomas brings a depth of history and warmth to the role, portraying Donte as a relatable figure for current students, having once walked in their shoes. His personal connection to Waterloo Road’s past gives him a unique perspective on its present struggles, making him a crucial anchor in the storm.

This season, Thomas explores Donte’s evolving role, potentially as a mentor, teaching assistant, or even a groundskeeper, who uses his hard-won wisdom to guide the next generation. His storyline is sure to intertwine with both staff dilemmas and student crises, showcasing his growth from a rebellious teen to a pillar of the community. His presence provides a vital link to the show’s rich history and its enduring legacy.

2. Kym Marsh as Nicky Walters

Kym Marsh brings her significant dramatic weight to the role of Nicky Walters, a steadfast teacher or senior staff member known for her resilience and unwavering commitment to her students. Marsh portrays Nicky with a blend of fierce professionalism and deep compassion, often going above and beyond to protect and advocate for those in her care, even when it puts her at odds with the school’s administration or budget constraints.

Marsh’s character is often at the heart of the series’ most emotional and impactful storylines. This season, she may face profound professional challenges and personal sacrifices that test her dedication to the school. Her journey will highlight the very real pressures on educators today, making her a character who embodies the struggles and triumphs of everyone fighting for the future of public education.

3. Neil Fitzmaurice as Neil Guthrie

The brilliant Neil Fitzmaurice reprises his role as the witty and often weary Neil Guthrie, a long-serving teacher who has seen it all. Fitzmaurice masterfully balances humour and pathos, making Guthrie the cynical yet big-hearted voice of experience in the staff room. His dry one-liners provide much-needed levity, but beneath the sarcasm lies a deep care for his colleagues and pupils.

This season, Fitzmaurice will likely delve into new dimensions of Guthrie’s character, potentially exploring his life outside school or his evolving relationships with newer staff members. His presence offers a sense of continuity and grounded normality amidst the constant chaos, representing the dedicated professionals who form the backbone of the education system year after year.

4. Shauna Shim as Valerie Chambers

Shauna Shim returns as the formidable Valerie Chambers, a senior leader or perhaps a member of the school governance board. Shim brings an aura of authority and determination to the role, portraying a woman tasked with the near-impossible job of steering the failing school toward stability amid constant financial and social pressures. Her character is often the pragmatist, forced to make difficult decisions that clash with the ideals of the teaching staff.

Shim’s performance this season will explore the immense burden of leadership in a crisis. Valerie may face conflicts that challenge her own ethics and force her to choose between what is financially necessary and what is right for the students and staff. Her storyline is a poignant look at the administrative battles that dictate life inside the classroom.

5. James Baxter as Joe Casey

James Baxter brings strength and complexity to Joe Casey, likely a new or returning teacher with a mysterious past or a controversial teaching method. Baxter can portray the character’s passion for making a difference while hinting at a personal life filled with its own turmoil. Joe’s unorthodox approaches might clash with the established system but could also be exactly what some struggling students need.

Baxter’s arc will likely involve winning over sceptical colleagues and forging powerful connections with hard-to-reach pupils. His character represents the new blood and fresh ideas necessary for the school’s survival, but his journey will be fraught with professional resistance and personal revelation, making him a central figure in the season’s narrative.

6. Jo Coffey as Wendy Whitwell

Jo Coffey delivers a standout performance as Wendy Whitwell, the school’s invaluable and no-nonsense business manager or head dinner lady. Coffey brings warmth, humour, and a fierce protective instinct to the role, making Wendy the unsung hero who keeps the school running behind the scenes. She is the confidante to both staff and students, often offering sage advice and a listening ear in the bustling cafeteria.

Coffey’s character provides crucial moments of comic relief and heartfelt humanity. This season, Wendy might be faced with her own challenges, perhaps fighting to protect her team or a vulnerable student from cuts or injustice. Her presence is a constant reminder of the entire ecosystem that supports a school, far beyond the classroom.

7. Rachel Leskovac as Coral Walker

Rachel Leskovac brings depth and compassion to the role of Coral Walker, likely a dedicated teacher, school counsellor, or pastoral lead. Leskovac portrays Coral as a nurturing and empathetic figure, the go-to adult for students struggling with personal issues outside the classroom. Her character provides a safe harbour for the most vulnerable pupils, often intervening in crises that extend far beyond the school gates.

Leskovac’s performance highlights the critical role of mental health and emotional support in education. This season, Coral may find her resources stretched to the limit as she battles systemic failures to protect the children in her care. Her storyline is a powerful testament to the educators who work tirelessly to address the societal problems that students bring to school with them every day.

8. Liam Scholes as Noel McManus

Liam Scholes is endearing as Noel McManus, the kind-hearted and dependable school caretaker. Scholes brings a gentle, grounded energy to the role, portraying Noel as the unofficial guardian of the school building and everyone in it. He is a friend to all, often noticing things that others miss and providing a steadying presence during the school’s many dramas.

Scholes’s character offers a unique perspective from the sidelines of the educational system. This season, Noel might step into a more prominent role during a crisis, or his own personal story could intertwine with that of a student or teacher. His presence is a comforting constant, representing the unsung heroes who maintain the very environment in which learning and growth can happen.

9. Jason Merrells as Jack Rimmer

Jason Merrells returns with authority as Jack Rimmer, the former headteacher whose legacy still looms large over Waterloo Road. Merrells brings a commanding presence and a wealth of history to the role, portraying a man who understands the institution’s past struggles and triumphs better than anyone. His return, perhaps in a consultancy or governor role, could signal a desperate move to save the school from its current crisis.

Merrells’s performance will explore the weight of legacy and the difficult choices of leadership. Jack may be forced to confront old ghosts and make peace with past decisions while advising the current administration. His character serves as a living link to the school’s long history, providing crucial context and hard-earned wisdom for the challenges it faces today.

10. Katherine Pearce as Amy Spratt

Katherine Pearce adds drama and ambition as Amy Spratt, likely a driven teacher climbing the ranks or a new member of the senior leadership team. Pearce portrays Amy as charismatic and capable, but potentially overly ambitious, whose methods for turning the school around might clash with its established ethos and community values.

Pearce’s character will create compelling conflict this season, as her modern, data-driven approaches challenge the more personal, relationship-based methods of longer-serving staff. Her journey will explore the tension between cold efficiency and compassionate education, making her a fascinating and complex addition to the staff room dynamics.

11. Naveed Choudhry as Tariq Siddiqui

Naveed Choudhry provides heart and humour as Tariq Siddiqui, the beloved maths teacher known for his terrible jokes and fantastic teaching. Choudhry brings a lovable, earnest energy to the role, making Tariq a favourite among students and staff alike. His classroom is a place of both learning and laughter, and he often acts as a peacemaker among his colleagues.

Choudhry’s performance offers vital moments of levity amidst the show’s heavier themes. This season, Tariq might face personal or professional challenges that test his usually sunny disposition, allowing for deeper character development. He represents the dedicated, passionate teachers who form the heart of any school community.

12. Summer Violet Bird as Tonya Walters

Summer Violet Bird returns as Tonya Walters, a student navigating the intense pressures of GCSE year. Bird delivers an authentic performance, capturing the teenage experience of academic stress, complex friendships, and family dynamics. Her character is likely bright and determined but may face significant obstacles that threaten to derail her future.

Bird’s storyline will tackle contemporary issues affecting British teens, from exam anxiety and university pressures to social media influence and identity. Her journey will be relatable to young viewers and a poignant reminder for adults of the challenges faced by today’s youth, making her a central figure in the student ensemble.

13. Chichi Ulebor as Shola Aku

Chichi Ulebor shines as Shola Aku, a new or returning student with a strong will and bright potential. Ulebor brings intelligence and resilience to the role, portraying a young woman who may be fighting against social or economic barriers to achieve her dreams. Her character could become the focus of a major storyline about inequality, ambition, and the power of education.

Ulebor’s performance will highlight the transformative potential of a great teacher and a supportive school environment. Shola’s journey will demonstrate how Waterloo Road’s mission extends beyond academics to changing life trajectories, embodying the hope and purpose that drives the entire staff.

Why Waterloo Road Season 16 Is a Must-Watch

• Gritty, Relevant Storylines: Tackles the most pressing issues in education and youth culture today with authenticity and heart.

• Brilliant Returning Cast: Beloved faces like Adam Thomas and Kym Marsh bring depth and continuity to the drama.

• Powerful New Characters: Fresh stories and performances that will instantly captivate audiences.

• The Heart of British Drama: A show that has consistently celebrated the resilience of communities and the power of education.

The School That Never Gives Up on Anyone.

Waterloo Road Season 16 premieres September 23, 2025, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.