I looked at the website of the characters and I couldn't see anyone that looked like Peter Barlow (haven't watched tonight's episode yet - I am saving it).
As an ex-teacher I don't mind it too much - ok, there aren't enough staff and half the 'kids' are in their 20's but while it's over the top it is not too far off the mark if you add up all the stuff that happens in a couple of secondary schools and make it happen in just one school.
Sorry - with Captain Kirk. I also see sherrardk's point as far as what the kids get up to but the behaviour in the staffroom is ridiculous unless things have changed a lot since I gave up teaching (which they could have I suppose).
Hi Prudie - it's the teachers that I think are most true to life (there was always a Grantly, some youngster who was super-keen, some old tart, some power mad person (usually a bloke - though not always), one who was always pally-pally with the kids, etc, etc) - used to drive me barmy!
Hi sherrardk, yes I recognise all of those so the characterisations are good it's just the way they interact with each other - all the bytching and backstabbing and aggression - oh and affairs! I am basing this on a couple of series ago when I gave up watching it.