Ainley explains how English education is now driven by the economy and politics, having failed to deliver upward social mobility and a brighter future. Concludes with suggestions for positive change. THREE. Class structure in the 21st century; Pyramid or diamond?; Or an hourglass with a squeezed middle?; Instead, the class structure goes 'pear-shaped'; So farewell to the middle class?; Or farewell to the working class and hello to the precariat?; Summary; FOUR. RUNNING UP A DOWN-ESCALATOR; The new student experience; 'Independent state schools'; Opportunities to be unequal; Redrawing the academic and vocational divide; Selection and differentiation; Aiming higher?; Student or 'apprentice'?; Summary; FIVE. A new politics of education; Towards a democratic professionalism.