Summary
Highlights
The episode opens with students arriving at Malory Towers. Ellen Wilson, a new scholarship student, is introduced to her new classmates, including Gwen, Jean, Irene, Sally, and Maryl. Gwen immediately takes an interest in Ellen, while Sally warns Ellen about Gwen's manipulative nature. Ellen also meets Miss Graham, the headmistress, and Mr. Parker, the new form teacher.
Mr. Parker announces that the term will begin with an election for the new head of form, outlining the duties and privileges of the role. Gwendelyn nominates herself and is seconded by Ellen, quickly involving Ellen in the school politics. Irene nominates Alysia, seconded by Jean. Sally then nominates Daryl Rivers, who was initially going to nominate Sally. The three candidates are Gwendelyn Lacy, Alysia Johns, and Daryl Rivers.
During morning swim, Ellen reveals she cannot swim after Gwen tries to push her in, leading to a small incident where Daryl helps her. This highlights Daryl's impulsive nature and temper when she confronts Gwen, who then brings up a past incident where Daryl pushed her into the pool. This exchange further solidifies the emerging rivalries and alliances among the girls.
In class, Daryl struggles to spell Mr. Parker's name correctly, claiming "word blindness." Mr. Parker dismisses it as fooling around, and when Ellen tries to defend Daryl, both are punished. Later, Daryl apologizes to Mr. Parker and, to show her sincerity, withdraws her nomination for head of form and suggests Sally as a replacement. This decision is met with mixed reactions, particularly from Alysia, who feels betrayed.
The nominees deliver their speeches for head of form. Alysia's speech is lighthearted, focusing on happiness. Gwendelyn gives a dramatic and confident speech, referencing Churchill. Sally, now a candidate, proposes changing the title to 'form representative' and focusing on fairness and representing individual needs. The girls then cast their votes, with results to be announced the next day.
Gwen attempts to trick Ellen into switching beds due to a supposed 'drip,' but Sally and Alysia intervene, preventing Ellen from moving. Gwen then reports the leak to Matron. Matron later discovers Daryl's lines, filled with spelling errors, and realizes Daryl has dyslexia (word blindness), making her understand Ellen's earlier defense.
Mr. Parker announces the new head of form: Sally Hope, winning by one vote. Before the announcement, Gwen tries to discredit Alysia by revealing plans for a midnight feast, but her tattling is not appreciated. Matron promises to look into Daryl's "word blindness." Alysia is disappointed but eventually accepts Sally's victory. The episode ends with the girls enjoying a midnight feast, celebrating freedom and fun, and Ellen expressing a desire to learn to swim with Daryl's help.