It's 1987 and after a decade as head teacher at Ragley-on-the-Forest School Jack Sheffield is looking to the future. He and his wife are expecting a new baby the school is preparing for the introduction of the new National Curriculum and the coming year promises a whole host of other surprises. Whether it's combing the church for an escaped pet mouse or dealing with the obnoxious new school governor life in the village is always entertaining. So when Jack is offered an opportunity that could change everything he knows he has a difficult decision to make. Endings are never easy but perhaps the thrill of a new beginning is exactly what Jack needs . . .