The journey of a rising star from Byker Grove to the Cabinet table | Politics | News

Press the pause button on an old episode of the teen TV classic Byker Grove and you might just spy a future Education Secretary.

Today, Bridget Phillipson plays a leading role in Sir Keir Starmer’s Cabinet, but as a schoolgirl she was an extra in the Newcastle-set series.

A personal priority for me is to ensure that the arts are not the exclusive preserve of private school students.

“I was quite shy as a child so every Saturday morning my mum sent me to drama classes at the local community centre, which I think cost about £1 a week,” she said.

“For example, many of us came to Byker Grove as extras because they approached local theatre groups to get us involved.”

She will be speaking at the Labour conference in Liverpool this week and she has no doubt that children’s performances can boost confidence.

“You have to overcome your nerves when you go on stage,” she said. “It helps you find your voice.”

She argues that “it makes a difference when you’re put under pressure and you’re not in your comfort zone.” And parents tell her they want their children to be able to participate in music, theater and sports.

“This is increasingly becoming the domain of parents who have extra money and can play in clubs and courses on the weekend,” she said.

This is a cause for concern for the 40-year-old cabinet minister, who attended a Catholic school in Washington.

“There is so much talent in our country,” she said. “So much imagination, creativity.

“And the arts are an area that is increasingly dominated by people with private school backgrounds.”

She wants children of all backgrounds to attend schools that value academic excellence and provide opportunities to pursue their talents and passions.

“I am committed to making sure we achieve that diversity and breadth,” she said. “Sometimes it is viewed as, ‘Do you want high academic standards or do you want a range of opportunities?’

“For me, both are indispensable – one cannot exist without the other.”