Class Divide

Class Divide
  • 5.0 (2)
  • DOCUMENTARY
  • WEEKLY SERIES

Class Divide is a powerful podcast series that exposes educational inequality in the UK. Through two years of documentary work, it sheds light on education in underprivileged areas such as East Brighton estates of Whitehawk, Manor Farm and Bristol Estate. Shockingly, only 37% of young people in East Brighton achieved basic GCSE grades compared to 69% in the rest of the city in 2019. The series follows the lives of a daughter and three sons from Whitehawk, emphasizing the transformative power of education. Along with families and teachers, education experts such as Professor Diane Reay and writer Fiona Millar will weigh in on the roots of the UK's educational segregation and attainment gap. The series also features guest appearances by renowned figures such as Darren McGarvey. The series is written and presented by Curtis James. Curtis grew up in East Brighton and went to school in Whitehawk. Class Divide is a grassroots campaign fighting to draw attention to the deeply injust educational attainment gap for young people from the communities of Whitehawk, Manor Farm and Bristol Estate in Brighton and Hove. The campaign is made up of parents, residents, experts and supporters who have experienced these problems or have expertise in education, and are funded where necessary by donations and independent of any political organisation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  1. The progressive test

    EPISODE 1

    The progressive test

    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) Donate Link to Episode 1 Organisations Mentioned: The Crew Club The Sutton Trust Durham University Evidence Center for Education Guests: Rachelle Otulakowski - Headteacher, Longhill High School Professor Stephen Gorard - Durham University Sammy Wright - Headteacher and former Social Mobility Commissioner Richard Kahlenberg - Education researcher Charley O'Regan - Senior Schools Engagement Manager, Sutton Trust Leslie Reeves - Social prescribing health worker and East Brighton Parent Beth - Whitehawk parent Dave - Whitehawk parent Carlie Goldsmith - Class Divide co-founder Jo Lyons - Assistant Director for Education and Skills, Brighton & Hove City Council Councillor Jacob Taylor - Deputy Leader of the Council Credits: Curtis James - Writer and Producer Eve Streeter - Executive Producer Carlie Goldsmith - Editorial Guidance & Class Divide co-founder Music 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 Wright How to connect with Class Divide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    55 min
  2. The privilege paradox

    EPISODE 2

    The privilege paradox

    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 1 Donate Featured Guests: Alice - Parent, Preston Park Laura - Parent, Preston Park Lewis - Parent, Whitehawk Nicola - Parent and Equity in Education campaigner Rose - Parent and Longhill School advocate Adam Dennett - Professor of Geography Charley O'Regan - Senior Schools Engagement Manager, Sutton Trust Chris Ward MP Credits: Curtis James - Writer and Producer Eve Streeter - Executive Producer Carlie Goldsmith - Editorial Guidance & Class Divide co-founder Music 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.

    53 min
  3. Out of the Hollows

    EPISODE 3

    Out of the Hollows

    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 work Featured Guests Rose - 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 & Reports Who 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 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    58 min
See All Season 2 (3)

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Class Divide is a powerful podcast series that exposes educational inequality in the UK. Through two years of documentary work, it sheds light on education in underprivileged areas such as East Brighton estates of Whitehawk, Manor Farm and Bristol Estate. Shockingly, only 37% of young people in East Brighton achieved basic GCSE grades compared to 69% in the rest of the city in 2019. The series follows the lives of a daughter and three sons from Whitehawk, emphasizing the transformative power of education. Along with families and teachers, education experts such as Professor Diane Reay and writer Fiona Millar will weigh in on the roots of the UK's educational segregation and attainment gap. The series also features guest appearances by renowned figures such as Darren McGarvey. The series is written and presented by Curtis James. Curtis grew up in East Brighton and went to school in Whitehawk. Class Divide is a grassroots campaign fighting to draw attention to the deeply injust educational attainment gap for young people from the communities of Whitehawk, Manor Farm and Bristol Estate in Brighton and Hove. The campaign is made up of parents, residents, experts and supporters who have experienced these problems or have expertise in education, and are funded where necessary by donations and independent of any political organisation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Class Divide
  • Episodes
    23
  • Seasons
    2
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Curtis James/Class Divide
  • Show Website
    Class Divide