St.Trinian's, the infamous school for 'young ladies', is facing a financial crisis. The new Education Minister (Colin Firth) is an old flame of the headmistress (Rupert Everett) but is determined to bring discipline and order to the anarchic school. A motley crew of teachers, and ruthless pupils joins forces to steal the famous painting "Girl With A Pearl Earring" from the National Gallery. But can their combined cunning, girlish wiles and total lack of shame win the day before the authorities close them down for good?