There may be sensitivity about the term "working class" but the priorities are clear, writes Tony Parkin
Does social class play a part in limiting achievement in 21st century schools, or should we now be talking about the "impact of socio-economic factors"? Is this a cultural or simply an economic challenge for education? What can we learn from projects such as The Extra Mile and Pockets of Poverty from the Department for Education (DfE)? 

These were just some of the issues raised at the annual conference of the Basildon Education Services Trust (BEST) – “Raising Attainment in Basildon” – where a packed house of 270 participants from more than 23 schools met to address the key local education challenge.