Taylor is accused of stealing a lighter from the local newsagent, and is sent to the headmaster at the fictional Oxford Lane School. Having to write an apology letter inspires him and some other 5th formers to start a new school magazine.

The boys launch an investigation into why Helen didn't get the shop job which she had been promised.

The investigation continues, but people have things to hide, and someone vandalizes reporter Philippa's bike.

The investigation starts to worry people at the top of the corruption. The students are all organized into individual assignments.