The Boyhood of Cain by Michael Amherst

Danny's family live in a large house close to the school where his father is headmaster. At school, his father's importance gives Danny certain privileges, but it also sets him apart from his classmates. When a new boy Philip, for whom everything seems easy, arrives, he surprises Danny by wanting to be friends. So when he and Philip are invited to work after school with inspiring, artistic teacher Mr. Miller, Danny believes he has found somewhere he can shine. And then Danny's world tilts: his father loses his job, and their house. When he finds himself shut out from Mr. Miller and Philip's world too, his desperation sets him on a course that could lead to the betrayal of all that he loves.