As part of the University of Reading’s Centenary celebrations, Celebrating Class: Working-Class Identities at Reading looks at the past, present and future of working-class life at the university. The exhibition and conference will bring 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 brings together research, stories and experiences to showcase the impact of class on the University of Reading.
Click the image below to view the digital gallery.
Conference – Click here to book your place.
4th March 2026 – The Celebrating Class conference on Whiteknights Campus will be a series of talks about class and the University of Reading, with a keynote speech from Alex Blower, founder of Boys Impact.
Programme timetable
Student Voice Journal
The student magazine features entries from our current Inclusion Consultants, a group of students working alongside academics and staff here at the University of Reading to ensure systems and events are accessible and inclusive towards a larger demographic.
This magazine features personal pieces of students experiences coming from a working class background, highlighting not only the limitations of being working class, but the skills they’ve developed in the process, bringing to our attention just how intertwined working class backgrounds are in our community.
Student Voice Podcast
We hear from Hibah and Demilade, two current students, about their views on working class student experience.
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.
