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.
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.
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.
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.
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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)
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
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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)
Organisations Mentioned:
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:
How to connect with Class Divide
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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 Podcast
00:28 Launching a New Manifesto
01:00 The State of Education in National Politics
02:09 Addressing Child Poverty and Inequality
03:50 The VAT Debate on Private Schools
04:11 Teachers' Struggles and Welfare Needs
05:33 Five Ideas in the Manifesto
06:12 The Importance of Consistent Leadership in Education
07:01 Historical Context and Current Challenges
08:30 Polling and Public Concerns on Education
09:32 Breaking the Wealth Barrier in Education
The Manifesto ideas
11:55 Free School Meals Priority Policy
17:25 Transport Policy Changes
26:32 Pupil Premium and School Funding
30:48 Increasing Working-Class Representation in Teaching
38:25 Redesigning the Education System
43:38 Call to Action and Conclusion
Links:
Read our manifesto: https://www.classdivide.co.uk/news/introducing-our-new-manifesto
The 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
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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 X
Follow Lighthouse on X
And subscribe to the Class Divide Newsletter for updates on our campaign.
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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.
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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 Greaves
Andy Schofield
Rachelle Otulakowski - Longhill Head
Cllr David McGregor
Cllr Jacob Taylor
Class 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
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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.
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In the final episode of the series, we delve into a story that exemplifies the emergence of hope from the darkest of places. We visit the Crew Club, a community centre at the heart of the council estate in Brighton where the murder of a young boy nearly three decades ago inspired something extraordinary—a place of hope. We travel to Finland and Doncaster to hear how education can be different and successful. We advocate for individuals to overcome prejudices, acknowledge privilege, and recognise the collective responsibility of towns and cities to nurture and support young people. Join us as we dare to think bigger and braver.
Featuring:
Gwyn ap Harri from the XP Trust
Darren and Lorraine Snow from the Crew Club
Johanna Jarvinen Taubert from Learning Scoop
Class Divide was written and produced by Curtis James. The executive producer is Eve Streeter. Location recording by Simon James. Sound design, post production and mixing is by Curtis James, with editorial support by Carlie Goldsmith.
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.
The series was funded by Necessity. If you'd like to support the Class Divide campaign follow on Twitter and Instagram, or visit the website, classdivide.co.uk
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Welcome to the sixth reaction episode of the Class Divide podcast.
In this episode Curtis James and Carlie Goldsmith discuss the issues around catchments and school admissions.
Check out the Class Divide Website for more info about the campaign.
Sign up the Class Divide newsletter here.
Support this podcast by leaving a rating and review, and please share if you like what we are doing.
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In this episode we delve into the deep-rooted issues of inequality within the British education system, focusing on catchments and school admissions in Brighton and Hove. We uncover how these factors perpetuate segregation and limit opportunities for children from less privileged backgrounds. We examine the concept of parental choice and its consequences, shedding light on how some parents exploit the system to benefit their own children which leaves others disadvantaged.
Featuring:
Dave Boyle
Class Divide was written and produced by Curtis James. The executive producer is Eve Streeter. Location recording, sound design, post production and mixing is by Simon James, with editorial support by Carlie Goldsmith.
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.
The series was funded by Necessity. 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 fifth reaction episode of the Class Divide podcast.
In this episode Curtis James and Carlie Goldsmith discuss the pervasive theme of a lack of choice in life after school. They explore how limited educational support restricts opportunities and influences individuals' decisions. Drawing from her work at the Crew Club, Carlie speaks about the abundance of talent and potential individuals possess, however, the lack of choice and opportunity remains a significant barrier in fields like policy, politics, medicine, and law.
Primary and secondary school choices play a critical role in shaping individuals' futures, affecting decisions regarding college, further education, and higher education opportunities. Carlie also emphasises the limited options available in alternative paths like apprenticeships.
Throughout the episode, Curtis and Carlie emphasise the need for equal access to opportunities, advocating for a broader range of support in education. They stress the importance of providing support and resources to enable individuals to explore their full potential.
Join them as they shed light on the impact of limited choices after school, challenge preconceived notions, and champion the vast abilities and potential within every individual.
Check out the Class Divide Website for more info about the campaign.
Sign up 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.
In this episode of "Class Divide," we explore the impact of leaving school without qualifications, including low self-esteem and limited job opportunities. We hear from someone who couldn't pursue their chosen career due to generational challenges. We also discuss the issues faced by working-class individuals in pursuing higher education and the systemic issues that make it difficult for them to break out of the cycle of educational disadvantage.
Featuring:
Carlie Goldsmith - https://twitter.com/GoldsmithCN
Asa, and Ryan
Emeritus Professor Peter Squires - Professor of Criminology and Public Policy
Courtney Stephenson - Researcher from a working class background
Grant Phillips - Ex Stanley Deason Student
Diane Reay - https://www.educ.cam.ac.uk/people/staff/reay/
Mary Bousted - National Education Union
Class Divide was written and produced by Curtis James. The executive producer is Eve Streeter. Location recording, sound design, post production and mixing is by Simon James, with editorial support by Carlie Goldsmith.
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.
The series was funded by Necessity. 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 fourth reaction episode of the Class Divide podcast.
This episode is split into two halves. In the first Curtis is joined by Ryan and they discuss their experiences of Stanley Deason School as well as what it felt like to get a peak behind the curtain of what was happening on the lead up to their school closing. In the second half Carlie speaks about the impact the school closure has had on the community.
Check out the Class Divide Website for more info about the campaign.
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.
In this episode we're looking at how years of neglect and middle-class flight resulted in the closure of East Brighton's only secondary school also known as "the school that died of poverty".
How is that allowed to happen? And what does it say and do to a community when its school is closed?
Featuring:
Carlie Goldsmith - https://twitter.com/GoldsmithCN
Arron, Asa, and Ryan
Jill Clough - Ex COMART Head
Andy Schofield - Ex Varndean School Head
Mr Hubbard - Ex Stanley Deason/Marina High/COMART head of drama
Diane Reay - https://www.educ.cam.ac.uk/people/staff/reay/
Darren McGarvey - https://twitter.com/lokiscottishrap
Class Divide was written and produced by Curtis James. The executive producer is Eve Streeter. Location recording, sound design, post production and mixing is by Simon James, with editorial support by Carlie Goldsmith.
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.
The series was funded by Necessity. 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.
This is a special surprise episode delivered to you from the Lake District.
We're with a group of 12 young people from Whitehawk, spending the week at the Ullswater Outward Bound Centre.
This bonus episode also includes a teaser for Episode 4, which will launch next week.
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Welcome to the third reaction episode of the Class Divide podcast. In this episode, Curtis and Carlie discuss their thoughts on the previous week's episode, which explored life in two very different schools.
We react mainly to the challenges her brothers faced in their state school and the consequences for children today.
Check out the Class Divide Website for more info about the campaign.
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.
In this episode we follow the story of Carlie Goldsmith and her three brothers, Asa, Ryan, and Arron. All four grew up in Whitehawk, one of the council estates of East Brighton on the South Coast of England.
Carlie received an assisted place at a fee-paying independent school for girls, while her brothers attended the local comprehensive in the hills and hollows of Whitehawk. This episode explores the stark reality of educational segregation and the impact it has on the lives of young people.
We delve into the significance of Carlie's assisted placement and how it opened up a world of opportunities that she otherwise wouldn't have had access to. We discuss the challenges her brothers faced in their state school and the consequences of the educational divide that exists within the state school system.
Featuring:
Carlie Goldsmith - https://twitter.com/GoldsmithCN
Arron, Asa, and Ryan
Mr Hubbard
Diane Reay - https://www.educ.cam.ac.uk/people/staff/reay/
Darren McGarvey - https://twitter.com/lokiscottishrap
Class Divide was written and produced by Curtis James. The executive producer is Eve Streeter. Location recording, sound design, post production and mixing is by Simon James, with editorial support by Carlie Goldsmith.
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.
The series was funded by Necessity. If you'd like to supprt 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 second reaction episode of the Class Divide podcast. In this episode, Curtis and Carlie discuss their thoughts on the previous week's episode, which explored the negative stigma and perception in the communities of Whitehawk, Manor Farm and Bristol Estate in East Brighton.
Curtis and Carlie share some more personal experiences of stigma they have faced, and discuss the issue raised by Darren McGarvey about 'the imperialist nature' of organisations parachuting in to 'save' communities like Whitehawk.
Research on how people define their class:
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0038038520982225
Check out the Class Divide Website.
Support this podcast by leaving a rating and review, and please share if you love what we are doing.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, we're in Whitehawk, one of the most underprivileged communities in the UK, where we will meet the residents who call this place home. We will look into the issues facing this community and explore how the stigma attached to council estates like Whitehawk has contributed to the systemic inequalities that exist in our education system.
We'll uncover the challenges faced by those living in this community, including high levels of poverty and low educational attainment. We'll also explore how the stigmatisation of council estates has perpetuated these issues and made it even harder for individuals to break the cycle of poverty and disadvantage.
Featuring:
The Whitehawk Bygones Society speak about moving to Whitehawk as children and where the negative perceptions of the area might have come from; social historian and author John Boughton; writer, performer, and activist Byron Vincent; and rapper, broadcaster, campaigner, and Orwell Prize-winning author Darren McGarvey, who talks about the flawed approach of always bringing outsiders into a community to "fix things".
Class Divide was written and produced by Curtis James. The executive producer is Eve Streeter. Location recording, sound design, post production and mixing is by Simon James, with editorial support by Carlie Goldsmith.
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.
The series was funded by Necessity. If you'd like to supprt 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.