Alfie and Dylan have been best friends since primary school - they're the Cloudwatch Club, watching cloud formations from Dylan's cubby-house roof. But when Dylan calls for Alfie on the way to their first day at school, Alfie's astonished to find that Dylan's had a make-over - cool shades, funky hair and a funny way of doing his tie.

Eleven-year-old Jack's world is turned upside down when dad Tim comes back into his life on his first day of high school. His step-dad Ellis isn't happy but father and son arrange to meet up. There's just one problem: Tim's taking him to a Liverpool game but Jack's an Evertonian, just like Ellis. But if his dad's taking him to the Liverpool game, what team is Jack supposed to support?

Becky Tyler is a real tomboy - sporty, best mates with Gerome and a massive roller derby fan. But change is round the corner - an all girls secondary school, where football and trousers are banned. Arriving on her first day with stylish older sister Mel, Becky's a fish out of water.

Polly isn't good at making friends; she's much happier seeing the world through the camera on her mobile phone - even though they're banned at her new school. Polly's an investigative reporter and she wants to be left alone, despite the attentions of eager classmate Charlie. Back at home, Polly's widowed dad Pete is also happier with machines than people.

Owain is dreading his first day of secondary school. Recently moved to Manchester from Wales, he's desperate to go back home. His only friend is pet hen Bronwyn, much to his parent's concern. Owain worries that people will think he's like his troublemaker brothers, so it's his worst nightmare when they wind up mouthy classmate Sophia.