To think that going comprehensive is an exit from the middle class?

[VolvoMo]

There may be a few minor exceptions (due to wealth or ideology) but doesn't going comp take away your middle class badge and worse, give your kids the chance to carry a big chip on their shoulder for their adult life.

I went to a state school until I was 18 and was surrounded by the children of doctors, architects and lawyers. Were those children not middle class just because they happened to go to a decent state school?

I really don't know where to begin ... I went to comprehensive school and I think people would laugh if I tried to identify myself as working class, do you really not know anyone who identifies as middle class that went to comprehensive school, there are a lot of us out there!

Oh poor me, and I thought it was my comp that helped secure my assent to the middle class.

Worse things to be than a chippy commoner it seems.

I'm middle class and I went to a comprehensive. Many of my school friends parents were lawyers and doctors and such like. DS1 goes to a comp too (as will DS2 in about 9 years). DH and I are university lecturers.

That said, if really snobby people want to 'take away my middle class badge' (I think that one got lost in the post, alas. Are they shiny?), that's fine with me.

Another comprehensive girl here. Don't think I'm chippy!!

This could get ugly.

This is nearly as good as the thread in which the OP said you could work out what "class" people are in by the cleanliness of their houses!

When they take the middle class badge away, do they replace it with a cloth cap or something suitably working class?

Or maybe a whippet.

You should get out more.

There are plenty of middle class children in state school. To be honest most of the middel classes can't afford private school these days!!!!

And there are some of us who are working class and send our DC private.

The UK is in flux, my friend.

Is this a joke thread? OP, are you being serious?!?

Not wishing to rise to this, but I hate how middle class seems to have moved up, as if there's no such thing as the upper classes now. Comp is middle class (and working class - and upper class too if they choose it). Anything more exclusive is getting into the upper middle and all the 15k+ a year schools are surely for the upper classes, certainly in terms of wealth. Don't kid yourselves.

I thought comprehensive was supposed to be inclusive of everyone, regardless of background, income, etc? Isn't that the point of it?

Not everywhere has grammar schools and not every middle class family can afford, or want to choose, independent education.

Bundlel!!!! [As they used to say in my youth].

Er, no, I don't agree with you in the slightest.

Loads of middle-class families send their children to the local comprehensive. Obviously a large proportion of those live in areas where the local comprehensive gets good results, because of having a reasonably-affluent typical family in their catchment, with the advantages that brings (fewer children who struggle because of their home situation, language, etc) . But it's still a comprehensive school.

If everyone who goes to a comp gets defined as working class, despite having home-owning professionals as parents, then "working class" becomes even more meaningless than it already is.

What's wrong/common with state school? I've never even set foot in a private school, but I reckon I'm pretty middle class.

DH might blow your mind - he went to state school, and then to Cambridge - not sure what class that makes him by your way of thinking...

Evil giraffe: did they present him with a middle class badge on arrival at Cambridge? (and was it shiny?)

You're quite right OP. My DS is currently doing his A'levels at a state school. The moment he walked through the doors two extremely grand ladies came to my house and wrested my middle class badge out of my hands then fitted me for a pair of clogs. I am also awaiting the delivery of a ferret, apparently it's compulsory that I own one now I is common folk.

you would be horrified to know that there were... working class kids at my private school (including me)

If the child was TRULY middles class they'd have nowt to do with chips anyway.

Every now and then in my head I award a fanny of the week badge. You're the first person I've ever awarded one to openly. Congratulations. If it helps it's got a lovely Laura Ashley floral design.