General · 22 February 2026
Cambridge student cleaned toilets to pay her rent
Jade Franks faced classism and financial struggles while studying theatre and education at the University of Cambridge. Because she did not know about funding options, she secretly cleaned university facilities to afford accommodation. Peers mocked her background, yet she succeeded in becoming president of the famous Footlights club. She has since transformed these difficult experiences into a stage production.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs