Five asks, two years on

In 2024, in the run up to the general election, Class Divide published a manifesto. Five things the next government had to do so that children from low-income families and communities could thrive in education. Two years on, the country has a new Prime Minister. Andy Burnham has arrived in Number 10 talking about the cost of living and about devolving power out of Westminster, and this week his government capped bus fares at two pounds. So Curtis and Carlie got the manifesto back out and marked their own homework.They go through it ask by ask. Admissions, where Brighton and Hove has done something no other council in the country has done, and where national policy still has not followed. Transport, where Class Divide's own research found parents going without essentials and borrowing money to pay school bus fares. Pupil premium, and where that money really ends up. And getting more people from working-class backgrounds into teaching.Then a sixth ask, one that was not in the 2024 manifesto and probably should have been. Devolution moves decisions closer to places. It does not change who is making them.LinksClass DivideWebsite: https://www.classdivide.co.ukDonate: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/classdivideNewsletter: https://classdivide.us21.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=1c5772fc8b8d98ea48693b0ee&id=c56f60a0c1The 2024 manifesto https://www.classdivide.co.uk/news/introducing-our-new-manifestoAsk one: admissionsThe Schools Adjudicator determination on Brighton and HoveClass Divide for the Sutton Trust, "Inclusion through admissions: How a community brought about change in Brighton and Hove"Burgess, Cantillon, Cavallo and Greaves, Modifying school choice for more equitable access in EnglandAsk two: transport"One in three Brighton and Hove parents go without essentials or borrow money to pay school bus fares"Ask three: school funding and the attainment gapEducation Policy Institute Annual Report 2026Ask four: working-class teachersThe Independent Inquiry into White Working Class Educational OutcomesListen back to Series 1 and Series 2Class Divide podcast page: https://www.classdivide.co.uk/podcastFollow Class DivideBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/divideclass.bsky.socialThreads: https://www.threads.net/@divideclassInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/divideclass/Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/classdividecampaign/13891a5f147d56bdfdb6d2baaec6d90cceceb716 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three years ago this spring, Episode 1 of the Class Divide podcast launched. The campaign itself is older than that, closer to seven years in, but the podcast was the moment a long-running community effort suddenly reached the rest of the city and beyond. Curtis and Carlie reunite to mark the anniversary, look back at what has shifted since the first episode came out, and talk honestly about what comes next.They look back at the wins and what they cost, the bruising consultation period, and the people who made the impossible happen. They look forward to a city-wide inquiry, the chance to take Brighton's admissions work national, and unfinished business on school transport.Three years on from Episode 1, there is plenty to celebrate, and plenty still to do.LinksClass DivideWebsite: https://www.classdivide.co.ukDonate: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/classdivideNewsletter: https://classdivide.us21.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=1c5772fc8b8d98ea48693b0ee&id=c56f60a0c1The Schools Adjudicator decisionOfficial determination on gov.uk: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68f8e14425d7d8af156dc2b6/ADA4423__ADA4452_to_ADA4454__ADA4456__ADA4458_Brighton_and_Hove_City_Council_.pdfClass Divide piece for the Sutton Trust on the Brighton blueprint"Inclusion through admissions: How a community brought about change in Brighton and Hove": https://www.suttontrust.com/news-opinion/all-news-opinion/inclusion-through-admissions-how-a-community-brought-about-change-in-brighton-and-hove/The two reports that prompted the call for an inquirySutton Trust Opportunity Index: https://www.suttontrust.com/our-research/the-opportunity-index/Impetus, Youth Jobs Gap: Exploring Compound Disadvantage: https://www.impetus.org.uk/policy/youth-jobs-gapThe open letter and the inquiryOpen letter to council leader Bella Sankey: https://www.classdivide.co.uk/s/Letter-to-Bella-Sankey.pdfClass Divide's response to the launch of the Inequality Review: https://www.classdivide.co.uk/news/we-welcome-the-inequality-review-but-it-needs-to-be-fair-from-the-startBurgess and Greaves on national admissions reformUniversity of Bristol summary of Modifying school choice for more equitable access in England (Burgess, Cantillon, Cavallo, Greaves): https://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2025/november/affluent-pupils-are-more-likely-to-gain-a-place-at-a-top-secondary-school.htmlClass Divide's recent transport report"One in three Brighton and Hove parents go without essentials or borrow money to pay school bus fares": https://www.classdivide.co.uk/news/one-in-three-brighton-and-hove-parents-go-without-essentials-or-borrow-money-to-pay-school-bus-fares-new-report-findsThe Schools White Paper, Mission North East and Mission CoastalGovernment announcement: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/schools-white-paper-to-rewire-education-transforming-life-chancesAllies mentioned in the episodeEquity in Education (Bevendean and Moulsecoomb): https://educationequity.kit.com/The Sutton Trust: https://www.suttontrust.comListen back to Series 1 and Series 2Class Divide podcast page: https://www.classdivide.co.uk/podcastFollow Class DivideBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/divideclass.bsky.socialThreads: https://www.threads.net/@divideclassInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/divideclass/X: https://twitter.com/divideclassFacebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/classdividecampaign/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Brighton & Hove City Council met on the 27th February 2025 to vote on school admissions reform, it marked the culmination of a twenty-year fight for change. From the community of Whitehawk — once hidden in the city’s hollows — to the council chamber.In this third and final episode of our three-part second series, we take you inside the decisive vote that could reshape education in Brighton for a generation. We meet the campaigners, parents and educators who’ve spent years pushing for a fairer system. Alongside their stories, we explore how power really works in our education system, from legal threats and leaked letters to the quiet pressures inside council meetings and school governance.As Brighton takes this historic step toward greater social mix in schools, we ask: what kind of city do we want to be — and who gets to decide? After a campaign that has divided our city, this episode ends with a call: now is the time to come together — and build a fairer future, for every child.Donate to support our workFeatured GuestsRose - Parent and Volunteer, Class DivideEmily – Parent and Volunteer, Class DivideDave – Parent and Class Divide campaignerEssie – Parent, Working-class academic, Volunteer at Equity in EducationAlice – Parent, from Preston Park in BrightonCarlie Goldsmith – Co-founder, Class DivideProfessor Danny Dorling – Professor of Geography, University of OxfordProfessor Sam Friedman – Professor of Sociology, London School of EconomicsProfessor Diane Reay – Professor of Education, University of CambridgeOliver Percy – Barrister, education law specialist, School Inclusion ProjectRachelle Otulakowski – Headteacher, Longhill High SchoolDaniel Yates – Former Leader, Brighton & Hove City CouncilFurther Reading & ReportsWho Is Losing Learning? – Report by IPPR and The DifferenceCreative Industries Class Report – Policy and Evidence Centre for the Creative IndustriesSocial Mobility and Class Ceiling Studies – Sam Friedman’s researchMusic CreditsMusic in this series was kindly donated by Olivier Alary, Maaja Nuut, Rumm, Neil Hale, Salvatore Mercatante, Polypores, Minor Pieces, Shida Shahabi, Max de Wardener, Simon James, Rutger Hoedemaekers, Toydrum, The Official Body, Benjamin Harrison, Traams, and Clarice Jensen. Thanks to Alex at Fat Cat Records, and Colin at Castles in Space. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Brighton & Hove Council started sharing ideas to make secondary schools more integrated in October 2024, it sparked intense debate across the city.In this second episode of our special series, Class Divide explores how progressive values are tested when change affects our own children's education. From parents wrestling with their fears about change to communities long excluded from real school choice, we uncover what happens when a city's self-image collides with educational inequality.Through conversations with families across Brighton, we explore how privilege maintains itself, even in a city proud of its progressive values. As the consultation on school admissions reaches its critical phase, we ask: can Brighton embrace the change needed to create truly integrated schools?Links & Resources:Take part in the Council's consultation on school admissions (open until January 31st)Link to Episode 1DonateFeatured Guests:Alice - Parent, Preston ParkLaura - Parent, Preston ParkLewis - Parent, WhitehawkNicola - Parent and Equity in Education campaignerRose - Parent and Longhill School advocateAdam Dennett - Professor of GeographyCharley O'Regan - Senior Schools Engagement Manager, Sutton TrustChris Ward MPCredits:Curtis James - Writer and ProducerEve Streeter - Executive ProducerCarlie Goldsmith - Editorial Guidance & Class Divide co-founderMusic Credits:Music in this series was kindly donated by Olivier Alary, Maaja Nuut, Rumm, Neil Hale, Salvatore Mercatante, Polypores, Minor Pieces, Shida Shahabi, Max de Wardener, Simon James, Rutger Hoedemaekers, Toydrum, The Official Body, Benjamin Harrison, Traams, and Clarice Jensen. Thanks to Alex at Fat Cat Records, and Colin at Castles in Space.Further Reading:How to connect with Class Divide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Brighton made history by giving children on free school meals priority access to secondary schools, it became the first city in England to take such a bold step towards educational equality. But was it enough? In this first episode of a special three-part series, Class Divide explores why true integration of our schools matters - not just for our poorest children, but for everyone.From Longhill High School's fight against stigma to groundbreaking research on school segregation, we uncover how a city proud of its progressive values faces its biggest test yet.Through conversations with teachers, researchers and families, we explore what happens when principles meet personal choices, and why creating truly mixed schools could be the key to Brighton's future.As the city considers its next steps towards educational equality, we ask: can Brighton live up to its reputation as a haven of inclusivity when change affects our own children's education? Join us as we explore how building an education system that works for our poorest children first creates better schools for everyone.Links & Resources:Take part in the Council's consultation on school admissions (open until January 31st)DonateLink to Episode 1Organisations Mentioned:The Crew ClubThe Sutton TrustDurham University Evidence Center for EducationGuests:Rachelle Otulakowski - Headteacher, Longhill High SchoolProfessor Stephen Gorard - Durham UniversitySammy Wright - Headteacher and former Social Mobility CommissionerRichard Kahlenberg - Education researcherCharley O'Regan - Senior Schools Engagement Manager, Sutton TrustLeslie Reeves - Social prescribing health worker and East Brighton ParentBeth - Whitehawk parentDave - Whitehawk parentCarlie Goldsmith - Class Divide co-founderJo Lyons - Assistant Director for Education and Skills, Brighton & Hove City CouncilCouncillor Jacob Taylor - Deputy Leader of the CouncilCredits:Curtis James - Writer and ProducerEve Streeter - Executive ProducerCarlie Goldsmith - Editorial Guidance & Class Divide co-founderMusic Credits:Music in this series was kindly donated by Olivier Alary, Maaja Nuut, Rumm, Neil Hale, Salvatore Mercatante, Polypores, Minor Pieces, Shida Shahabi, Max de Wardener, Simon James, Rutger Hoedemaekers, Toydrum, The Official Body, Benjamin Harrison, Traams, and Clarice Jensen. Thanks to Alex at Fat Cat Records, and Colin at Castles in Space.Further Reading:"Exam Nation" by Sammy WrightHow to connect with Class Divide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this podcast episode recorded before major parties released their manifestos, Curtis James and Carlie Goldsmith discuss their newly launched manifesto focused on transforming the education system to better support children from low-income families. With the general election approaching, they express concerns over the lack of national discussion on education policies. They highlight the need for comprehensive policy changes and share five key ideas from their manifesto, including prioritising free school meals in admissions, making school transport free, securing pupil premium funds for their intended purpose, increasing working class representation among teachers, and redesigning the education system as a whole. The episode calls for raising awareness and encouraging discussions on education in the run-up to the election.Introduction to the Podcast00:28 Launching a New Manifesto01:00 The State of Education in National Politics02:09 Addressing Child Poverty and Inequality03:50 The VAT Debate on Private Schools04:11 Teachers' Struggles and Welfare Needs05:33 Five Ideas in the Manifesto06:12 The Importance of Consistent Leadership in Education07:01 Historical Context and Current Challenges08:30 Polling and Public Concerns on Education09:32 Breaking the Wealth Barrier in EducationThe Manifesto ideas11:55 Free School Meals Priority Policy17:25 Transport Policy Changes26:32 Pupil Premium and School Funding30:48 Increasing Working-Class Representation in Teaching38:25 Redesigning the Education System43:38 Call to Action and ConclusionLinks:Read our manifesto: https://www.classdivide.co.uk/news/introducing-our-new-manifestoThe Sutton Trust: https://www.suttontrust.com/news-opinion/all-news-opinion/fairer-school-admissions-could-you-be-the-change/Download social media graphics to share: access here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're thrilled to unveil some work set to debut at this year's Brighton Festival. Join us in this special episode as host Curtis James sits down with sound artist Simon James – who just so happens to be his twin brother – to delve into the origins of this new work.Curtis and Simon discuss the genesis of the project, drawing inspiration from a pivotal moment in their lives at the age of 15. Discover the creative process behind Neolithic Cannibals, which will see Simon working with a group of young sound artists from Whitehawk.Save the date! The exhibition opens its doors this May. To get all the details, head to www.lighthouse.org.uk/For updates.....Follow us @divideclass on Xand @divideclass on InstagramFollow Lighthouse on Xand Lighthouse on Instagram And subscribe to the Class Divide Newsletter for updates on our campaign. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Please donate to keep our campaigning going.On the day The Children, Families & Schools Committee vote on the free school meal school admission proposals, Curtis and Carlie talk about the things that have led up to this day, and we hear the moment the vote happens, as well as thoughts just afterwards.Thanks to Simon James for recording the committee meeting and post vote interviews. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Support the proposed changes here.In this bonus episode we delve into the critical consultation happening within the council that could reshape the landscape of education in Brighton and Hove. The spotlight is on a proposed change in secondary school admissions that would prioritise free school meal children, aiming to bridge the class divide and create a more socially inclusive education system.Featuring:Dr Ellen GreavesAndy SchofieldDr Carlie GoldsmithRachelle Otulakowski - Longhill HeadFiona MillarCllr David McGregorCllr Jacob TaylorClass Divide was written and produced by Curtis James. The executive producer is Eve Streeter. Location recording, Sound design, post production and mixing is by Curtis James, editorial support by Dr Carlie Goldsmith and research by Dr Sara Bragg.Music in the series was kindly donated by Salvatore Mercatante, Traams, Shida Shahabi, Max de Wardener, Simon James, Clarice Jensen, Polypores, Toydrum, and Shopping, Olivier Alary, Maaja Nuut, Rumm, Neil Hale, Minor Pieces, Rutger Hoedemaekers Thank you to Fat Cat Records, Castles in Space.If you'd like to support the Class Divide campaign follow on Twitter and Instagram, or visit the website, classdivide.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the seventh reaction episode of the Class Divide podcast.In this episode, Curtis James and Carlie Goldsmith discuss the ideas for the future and the culmination of series 1.Check out the Class Divide Website for more info about the campaign.Sign up to the Class Divide newsletter here.Support this podcast by leaving a rating and review, and please share if you like what we are doing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.