PODCAST · society
Class Divide
by Class Divide
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
Episodes
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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...
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Three Years Since the Podcast Launched
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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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A Pre-Election Manifesto Discussion - Changing the Education System for Low-Income Families
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...
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Class Divide at Brighton Festival
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...
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Episode 9 - When activism creates change
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...
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Episode 8 - Breaking the Barriers: The Vote for Inclusive Education
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...
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Reaction Episode 7
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…
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Episode 7 - The Future
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...
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Reaction Episode 6
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...
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Episode 6 - Admissions and Catchments
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...
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Reaction Episode 5
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....
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Episode 5 - Class Ceilings and Bounded Paths
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…
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Reaction Episode 4
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...
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Episode 4 - Losing our school
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?...
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Class Divide in the Lake District - Bonus
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. Hosted on Acast. See...
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Reaction Episode 3
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...
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Episode 3 - Sliding Doors
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...
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Reaction Episode 2
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…
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Episode 2 - The hills and the hollows
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...
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Reaction Episode 1
Welcome to the first 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 challenges faced by the communities of Whitehawk, Manor Farm and Bristol Estate in East Brighton. Curtis and Carlie delve...
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Episode 1 - The Early Years
Have you ever wondered why some children excel academically while others struggle? In this episode, we explore the critical importance of early years education, from birth to junior school, which many experts consider the most critical time for young people's development and learning. We take a...
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Series teaser
A sneak preview of the upcoming Class Divide podcast series. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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
HOSTED BY
Class Divide
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Class Divide have?
Class Divide currently has 25 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Class Divide 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...
How often does Class Divide release new episodes?
Class Divide has 25 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Class Divide?
You can listen to Class Divide on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Class Divide?
Class Divide is created and hosted by Class Divide.
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