When his father walks out on his mother and himself, bespectacled, nerdy Will McKenzie is forced to leave his private school and enrol at the local Rudge Park Comprehensive, where his accent and appearance make him an easy target for the school bully. Seeking to make friends with 'normal' lads, Will pals up with Jay, Neil and Simon, but none are exactly winners, as is evidenced when they try to buy alcohol in a pub.