New girl Aleesha is a very bright student with a quick wit and a cruel sense of humour. She's also a great actress - though perhaps not quite as good as she thinks - but she's got a good-ish singing voice.

She and her new best mate, Danielle, form an intimidating clique. They dress similarly - customising their uniforms as much as they can get away with - have their own catchphrases, and feel superior to most of the other pupils. Most of their laughs come from a delight in others' faults or misfortunes and though they don't see themselves as school bullies (having no interest in violence or acquisition of lunch money), they're just as capable of making their peers' lives a misery.

Aleesha's mum, Angela, left college when she met her (now ex) husband - and has always regretted not finishing her education. Since the divorce five years ago, she has returned to work, getting a job as a bank clerk. She has high aspirations for her daughter - a university education and a well paid career - and this made her the ideal candidate to be poached from her previous school for Jack's bursary scheme.