As part of the University of Reading’s Centenary celebrations, Celebrating Class: Working-Class Identities at Reading looked at the past, present and future of working-class life at the university. The exhibition and conference brought together archival research, lived experiences and stories to share how class shapes the everyday experiences of our learning community.
Exhibition
2nd – 26th February 2026 – The Celebrating Class exhibition in the library foyer showcases the history, data and real stories behind social class at the University of Reading.
Click the image below to view the digital gallery.
Conference
The Celebrating Class conference on Whiteknights Campus was a series of talks about class at the University of Reading, with a keynote speech from Rachael O’Connor and Stacey Mottershaw (University of Leeds).
Internal colleagues can replay the keynote speech and view the slide show.
Student Voice Journal
This magazine features personal essays and artworks produced by students from working class backgrounds, highlighting the systemic disadvantages they face while celebrating the often underrecognised, strengths, achievements and skills they enrich our community with.
Student Voice Podcast
We hear from Hibah and Demilade, two current students, about their experiences as working class students.
Blog series
Digital history exhibit
A digital exhibit detailing the history of class at the University of Reading has been prepared by students from the History department.
