Providing for gifted and talented learners in our schools is a matter of equity - as with all other pupils they have a right to an education that is suited to their needs and abilities, to allow them to fulfil their true potential
The 2005 White Paper, Higher Standards, Better Schools for All set out the Government's ambition that every pupil - including the gifted and talented should have the right personalised support to reach the limits of their capabilities. For gifted and talented pupils this means:
- stretch and challenge in every classroom and in every school
- opportunities to further their particular abilities outside school
The aims of the national programme for gifted and talented education are:
- To improve pupil outcomes, particularly for the most disadvantaged, in attainment, aspirations, motivation and self-esteem
- To improve the quality of identification, teaching and support in all schools and classrooms
- To improve the quality of:
- out-of-school learning opportunities and support for pupils, and
- support for parents, educators and schools at local, regional and national levels
The 2007 Children's Plan builds on this commitment and sets out our current priorities:
- Improving the identification of gifted and talented learners, especially those who are underachieving and/or who come from disadvantaged backgrounds
- Ensuring all schools have access to a trained Leading Teacher for gifted and talented education
- Ensuring that gifted and talented learners make at least 2 levels of progress in each key stage, especially those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds more likely to be underachieving.
