Good mentoring can break down class barriers

A street cleaner walks past a barrier in front of a columned building, as an illustration of how working-class people can feel excluded in higher education

Social class should be an EDI category in higher education

Failure to acknowledge how class operates within academia means many students still feel uncomfortable on campus, says Beth Johnson

By Beth Johnson

29 August

Concept illustration looking at a book with lock holes inside, one man is dragging a large key on a rope to illustrate Is mentoring the elixir of academic life?

Is mentoring the elixir of academic life?

The importance of senior faculty advising junior colleagues on their career trajectories is increasingly emphasised. But is guidance – and the giving of it – being fairly shared? Should mentoring schemes be formalised? And are they really enough? Seven academics have their say

By Michael Roth

9 May

Close Up Of Male Medical Worker In Scrubs With Digital Tablet In Hospital

‘Urgent need’ to address lack of working-class medical students

More support needed for disadvantaged students during medical studies to compensate for lack of ‘insider knowledge’, researchers say

By Helen Packer

10 September

World Academic Summit: universities ‘need mentors, not just top researchers’

Academics must work closely with students to foster innovation, says KAUST president

By Paul Basken

11 October

Reader's comments (1)

#1 Submitted by ... on October 2, 2025 - 9:45am

What an important and excellent piece of commentary--couldn't agree more. In the current climate of 'productivity' and cynicism it is so hard to articulate the importance of these 'intangibles', but they are the hidden and vital life force of education that must be given space to flourish.

Good mentoring can break down class barriers – and I should know

An open approach to knowledge and a kind, enabling manner help students go their own way but never feel alone, says Andrew Chadwick

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Social class should be an EDI category in higher education

Is mentoring the elixir of academic life?

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World Academic Summit: universities ‘need mentors, not just top researchers’

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Good mentoring can break down class barriers – and I should know

An open approach to knowledge and a kind, enabling manner help students go their own way but never feel alone, says Andrew Chadwick

Register to continue

Subscribe

Related articles

Social class should be an EDI category in higher education

Is mentoring the elixir of academic life?

‘Urgent need’ to address lack of working-class medical students

World Academic Summit: universities ‘need mentors, not just top researchers’

Reader's comments (1)

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