In their joint Inaugural Professorial Lecture, Hodgson and Spours argue for a universal upper secondary education system in England. Seeing the education of 14-19 year olds in this way brings considerable demands and requires a new form of critical analysis. At present English upper secondary education remains divided, and is a truncated experience for many. Progression to further study or employment is not assured. In this lecture the authors outline the features of a unified and universal upper secondary education system in England that develops the potential of all, enhances the life chances of young people and goes well beyond the current government's policy aim of raising the participation age to 18 by 2015. The lecture will suggest new ways of conceptualising upper secondary education as part of a 'high-opportunity-progression ecosystem'.