Current priorities

URL: http://www.standards.dfes.gov.uk / giftedandtalented / govpolicy / current /

The White Paper 'Higher Standards, Better Schools for All' set out the Government's plans to further improve outcomes for gifted and talented learners. The white paper indicated that all schools must provide stretch and challenge to ensure gifted and talented pupils can achieve their potential.  Delivery of the White Paper commitments must now be our focus. These include:

• A trained 'leading' teacher for gifted and talented education in every secondary school and for clusters of primary;
• Improved identification and tracking of gifted and talented pupils' attainment and performance through a new National Register.
• A new national programme of extended day non-residential summer schools developed through partnership between higher education institutions and specialist schools;
• Up to £1 million (plus match funding) to be targeted towards vulnerable G&T learners, for example BME learners and looked after children;
• Development of tools and guidance to help schools to more effectively identify, teach and support gifted and talented learners from black and minority ethnic backgrounds.
  

These commitments are underpinned by the action we are taking through the Regional Partnerships working collaboratively with schools to improve overall provision for gifted and talented learners through effective self-evaluation, using the National Quality Standards in Gifted and Talented Education.