Snakes and Ladders

Lynsey Hanley explores the experience of class and social mobility in Britain over the past four decades. She provides a personal insight into the psychological cost of leaving her working-class upbringing behind to pursue further education; moving from her home in Chelmsley Wood, a vast council estate near Birmingham, to sixth-form college, to university and on to a career in journalism.

In this episode, Hanley looks at the process of applying for university - and of how many students make educational decisions based on their backgrounds: 'old' universities for the middle-class, 'new' for the working-class, limiting potential advantages for the latter.

Written and read by Lynsey Hanley.

Abridged by Sian Preece.

Produced by Kirsteen Cameron.