How Old Money Knows You’re Not One of Them? | Private vs Public School Debate

In today's episode, we're joined by Sophie Pender, founder of the 93% Club and Forbes 30 Under 30, who built the UK's biggest network for state educated people after realising that class in the workplace was the one thing nobody was talking about honestly. We talk about what classism really looks like in 2026, private vs public school experiences, and how your background can shape your life in ways other people often don’t even realise. Sophie also shares what it was actually like growing up on one of the biggest council estates in North London and then walking into one of the UK’s top universities, and why nothing really prepares you for that gap. What you’ll learn: 🚌 How private vs state schools still shape your opportunities in the UK 📚 Why only 7% of the UK is privately educated, but they dominate top careers 📈 #1 reason why classism is at an all time high in the UK 🏢 Dealing with judgement at work and university 🏠 How your home & childhood life shapes what you think is ‘normal’ TIME STAMPS: 00:00 Sophie Pender's Journey: From Council Estate to University Culture Shock 03:57 Growing Up on a Council Estate: Education as a Way Out 13:17 The Psychological Damage of 'Middle Class Passing' 23:12 Why 'Glam' Looks Different Across Social Classes 26:41 How 'Where You Go to School' Shapes Opportunities 29:17 Debating Oxbridge and the Problem with Unpaid Internships 33:13 The Hidden Rules of Networking and the Pressure for Elocution 40:09 Building a Personal Brand and Challenging the 'Exceptional' Narrative 50:00 The Link Between Class, Chronic Stress, and Health Disparities 55:00 Why the State/Private School Divide Harms Society and Fuels Populism 58:59 The Cost of London Living and the Illusion of 'Keeping Up' 1:02:53 Is Sending Your Child to Private School a Selfish Decision? 01:11:32 Uniting State-Educated People to Counter Old Boys' Networks 01:18:13 Sophie's Wisdom: Confidence and Self-Assurance After 25 Resources & links mentioned: - Sophie Pender’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sophieapender/ - The 93% Club - https://www.93percent.club/ 🔔 Join the HERd* broadcast channel here: https://www.instagram.com/channel/AbY4liwxlLnewx4H/?igsh=MWhuaXFweGtucTB3cA== 📱 Find us on socials: Instagram & Tiktok - @drfayebate Podcast Instagram & Tiktok: @herdiscussionspod 📩 Want to reach out? Email: drfaye@outreachtalentgroup.com 🛑 Disclaimers: Opinions are my own. This content is for educational / entertainment purposes and not medical or financial advice.