We follow Mildred Hubble in her first year at Weirdsister College, a university for students of magic. Similar to her adventures at Cackle's, Mildred usually messes up, but saves the day in the end. The series has a darker side than The Worst Witch, with evil creatures and a possible doomsday.
The College
Weirdsister College in Cambridge is an institution where successful students from magical academies and institutes of Great Britain can further their magical education, and where qualified doctors and professors can teach and push the boundaries of magic with experiments. The college has many age-old traditions and legends, such as 'The Agonies' the games held once a year, the prize is possession of The Golden Cauldron, a highly magical artefact, but the winner can only have it for one night. Nearby, and owned by the College, is Misery's cafe. This is the local hangout for the main characters, and is also the site of Jazz concerts. Some students had saved the cafe from closure by 'meddling' with time. Also in the town is Jenny Wendle's studio, where meditation classes are held. The College is a highly magical building, and with so many spells and magical demonstrations being performed, the Foster's effect would destroy the building, so The Bus Spell covers the building and its grounds. This means that every Friday the college has no magic performed in it, or strange events may happen and chaos will rule.
Characters and cast
The Staff
Professor Alicia Thunderblast – the director of the College. Experienced witch, trombone player and almost as partial to cakes as Miss Cackle.
Dr. Claire Wendle – An experienced first year tutor, and Millie's mentor. Runs the Witches Practice in town and her knowledge is needed to help save the College.
Dr. Andy Starfinder – An American wizard who looks to broaden the boundaries of magic with science and his inventions. Got himself into trouble with Beetle on his 2nd day, by performing magic on a Friday which broke the Bus Spell.
Professor Johnathan Shakeshaft – The oldest member of staff, teaches various types of magic but spends most of his time asleep. Rumours about him are that he is mad and that he is from medieval times.
Veronica Dewdrop – 'The Beetle', as the students know her. She takes care of the Foster's Effect and upholds the rules and regulations of the College. She also handles the College's finances, administration and emergency protocols.
Students
Mildred Hubble – The main character of The Worst Witch. In this series, based on her artistic skills Millie gained a scholarship to the college. She appears at the college unchanged, until the end of the first episode she cuts off her trademark plaits after being cheated on by Nick Hobbes and Cas remarked them as being childlike.
Ethel Hallow – Ethel is Millie's old nemesis from Cackle's. Upon their first encounter their mutual loathing resurfaces and Ethel claims that Mildred has no right to be in the college. However they become friends except in one episode where Ethel believes Mildred is trying to muscle in on her experimental team for which Doctor Starfinder chose her personally. Mildred states, however, that she "didn't ask to be his guinea pig". Ethel and Hobbes also nearly tear Millie and Ben apart when they imprison Mildred in the Experimental Magic Laboratory and put Ben in mortal danger. The only way for Mildred to save him was to get inside his head and use his voice to remove the Locking Spell that Hobbes had put on the door to maze he had placed miniature Ben and a very large rat into. Ethel returns with a brand new look but the same attitude.
Deirdre "Dee" Swoop – A graduate of Pentangle's Academy, more chilled out in this series but loves a spot of jazz and taking part in the annual games.
Cas Crowfeather – Millie's new best friend, hailing all the way from Canada to attend Weirdsister. She "replaces" Maud Moonshine who does not appear in the series.
Nicholas "Nick" Hobbes – Dark and secretive wizard, not liked by most of the students and has a meglomaniac side to him, it is also often suggested that he has feelings for Mildred.
Azmat Madari – Wizard, best friend of Tim, comes from Clitheroe, Lancashire.
Tim Wraithewight – Wizard, comes from Bootle near Liverpool and best friend of Azmat.
Minor characters
Ben Stemson – Non-magical worker of Misery's and very good friend of Mildred. Although Mildred's witchiness almost ruined their blossoming relationship, he put the feelings aside and even helped use his scientific knowledge to save Weirdsister.
Elaine Stemson – Owner of Misery's, is into New Age Magic and loves her son a lot. She was very troubled when the Beetle threatened to close Misery's.
Miss Hardbroom – Summoned by magic to test Mildred, to see if she was strong enough to enter Weirdsister as a student. Mildred passed and Miss Hardbroom wished her luck and smiled before returning to Cackles.
Enid Nightshade – Spent two days at Weirdsister after running away from Primrose Hill to see Millie. Her presence and rebellious behaviour causes tension between Mildred, Cas and Ethel. Enid leaves after revealing that she hated Primrose Hill because she never managed to fit in with the other students, and was expelled for being a bad student and "over-partying".
In 2007, Shock released Weirdsister College on DVD, in a boxset with Series 3 of The Worst Witch, although it is titled as "Series 4" of The Worst Witch. Shock also released box sets of Series 1 & 2 of The Worst Witch, and Series 1 & 2 of The New Worst Witch. These are released only in Australia, but are playable worldwide.
