Next week on EastEnders, Walford’s younger residents are at the heart of multiple intense and disturbing storylines involving school-related violence, attacks, assault guilt, and emotional fallout that will leave families and the community reeling. These arcs touch on dangerous teen behaviour, the consequences of aggression, and the ripple effects of fear and trauma — making it one of the most powerful weeks the soap has aired on youth conflict and violence.

Here’s a deep-dive into the 7 huge school violence storylines shaping up for EastEnders next week:

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1. Joel Marshall’s Violence Escalates at School

One of the most talked-about arcs involves Joel Marshall, whose troubling behaviour has been spiralling for weeks. The storyline — previously featured in special episodes on BBC iPlayer — shows Joel attacking fellow teen Vicki Fowler in a shocking and aggressive incident that has left the Square in disbelief. His misogynistic views and toxic attitude have led him into dangerous territory, including confronting and physically harming a younger character at school, resulting in serious consequences for his peers and caregivers.

This development represents one of the soap’s darkest teen violence arcs, portraying how online influences and unchecked aggression can lead to real-world harm. The fallout will continue to be felt next week as other characters react to the assault and parents struggle to make sense of Joel’s spiralling behaviour.

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2. Vicki Fowler Faces Major Physical and Emotional Trauma

Following Joel’s attack, Vicki Fowler is forced to confront a traumatic aftermath at school. She not only has to cope with the physical effects of being struck, but also the emotional impact of being targeted by someone she once trusted. Vicki’s efforts to recover are depicted with depth as she seeks help, deals with fear of going back to school, and must navigate the complex reactions of her peers, family, and the Walford community.

Vicki’s storyline next week explores the long shadow such incidents can cast — not just the initial shock, but the difficulty of regaining confidence in everyday life.

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3. School Assault Backlash Sends Shockwaves Through Parents

Violence between students always ripples outward, and in Walford next week, older generations will feel the impact too. Parents and carers are forced to grapple with how to talk about aggression, safety, and respect after hearing about student assaults. Community scenes depict heated debates about discipline and responsibility, with many characters deeply concerned for all children’s welfare at and around school grounds.

This storyline highlights how school violence affects more than just the participants — it disrupts families, divides friend groups, and prompts emotional reckonings in unexpected ways.

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4. Nugget’s Hospital Collapse Raises School Safety Fears

While not strictly a school beating, another harsh moment comes when Nugget Gulati suffers a serious medical emergency during an outing that closely follows his experiences with bullying and family tension. Though the cause was a medical seizure, the event ignites discussion among parents and pupils alike about stress, fear, and the vulnerability of children out in the community — including near schools and social spaces.

The reaction among classmates and their families frames this incident as part of the larger conversation about safety, trust, and the pressures children face today.

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5. Tommy Moon’s Behaviour Causes Upset and Potential Violence

Another young character, Tommy Moon, continues to struggle with behavioural issues that have spilled into violent actions. In earlier episodes Tommy was shown punching a family member and exhibiting frustration with siblings and peers; next week, this tension escalates as his reactions grow sharper and more concerning.

Kat and Alfie, both deeply worried about Tommy’s actions outside the home, struggle to find ways to curb his behaviour without pushing him further toward aggressive choices — especially when peer pressure and unresolved anger are present.

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6. School Bullying Hits Home Through Louie Beale and Ollie Carter

Another important arc next week explores bullying among school peers. Viewers will see Ollie Carter being tormented by fellow pupil Louie Beale, an incident that forces adult characters like Linda Carter and Even younger kids to confront the reality of bullying — not just as minor teasing, but as violent and damaging behaviour that requires serious intervention.

While not physically grievous, bullying remains a form of violence that seriously impacts child well-being, and the show continues to depict its emotional toll with sensitivity.

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7. Teen Assault and Consequences Debated by Walford Residents

Finally, next week’s episodes are likely to include emotional debates in Albert Square about what happens after school violence occurs — especially when the community is forced to respond to a combination of assault incidents, bullying revelations, and intense parent–child conflict. Characters will wrestle with whether schools should be held accountable, what role law enforcement should play, and how parents should intervene to protect their children. These discussions will highlight differing generational views and add moral complexity to the ongoing arcs, making scenes rich with emotional weight and social commentary.

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Why These Storylines Matter

EastEnders has long used its platform to explore relevant and often difficult social issues, and next week’s focus on youth violence and school-related conflict is in keeping with that tradition. These arcs don’t shy away from showing the emotional impact of violence on victims, families, and communities; instead, they open up conversations about prevention, accountability, and recovery in a way that resonates with viewers facing similar real-world issues.

From Joel and Vicki’s harrowing encounter to the broader ripple effects of bullying and behavioural issues, next week’s episodes are set to be some of the most intense and thought-provoking Walford has delivered in years.