Life Lessons

“Benn is not only an outstanding campaigner but she’s also a brilliant writer. What I loved about her book is the mixture of radicalism and pragmatism; Benn presents solutions to the many problems facing parents, pupils and teachers today. This book is an essential argument for an equal and fair education system, and a vital contribution to our National Education Service, one of Labour’s flagship policy proposals.”
—Angela Rayner, shadow education secretry

“Life Lessons is an eloquent and much needed blueprint for a more equitable education system at a time when radical ideas are in short supply.”
—Fiona Millar

“When we see what’s going wrong in education, we need people like Melissa Benn to give us signposts for what else is possible. As a lifelong campaigner for a fair and equitable education system, she shows she is the ideal person to map out a progressive agenda for education in the future. With an overloaded curriculum, relentless testing and increased selection, this book is a timely appeal for a rational and democratic education service.”
—Michael Rosen, author of Good Ideas

“Invaluable in providing education activists with the tools to move debates on Labour education policies forward … A very readable book, to be thoroughly recommended.”
—Morning Star

“Captures the spirit of the progressive education movement as it exists today, and reflects its current grievances and priorities … will be warmly welcomed by all those who believe our education system is broken and needs radical transformation.”
—Red Pepper