At an English public boarding school, tensions between the oppressive staff and rebellious students reach a boiling point. The establishment strictly enforces rules and traditions, creating a suffocating environment for the boys. Among the students is Mick Travis, a nonconformist and free-spirited youth who struggles to find his place in a system that prioritizes discipline over individuality. Mick, along with his close friends Johnny and Wallace, begins to question the authoritarian regime and devise ways to rebel against it. Their subversive actions escalate as they push back against the oppressive hierarchy of the house prefects and teachers, leading to increased scrutiny and punishment.

As the school's administration tightens its grip, Mick and his friends' resistance grows stronger, reflecting their mounting frustration and disillusionment. The story examines the harsh realities and inherent flaws within such hierarchical institutions, shining a light on the simmering unrest and the lengths to which individuals will go to reclaim their freedom. The narrative methodically unveils the layers of rebellion, depicting the psychological and emotional toll on the students, while exploring broader themes of power and resistance. The characters' actions ultimately lead to an intense confrontation, highlighting the explosive potential of repressed anger and the desire for liberation.