Industry News
Gifted pupils 'still struggling'
Posted on 29th January 2008
While exam results in independent schools continue to improve, many of the most gifted pupils in state schools are failing to reach their potential, it has been claimed.
Statistics contained in an answer to a parliamentary question showed that 14.8 per cent of pupils on the gifted and talented programme failed to achieve five A* to C grades at GCSE, reports the Daily Telegraph.
The scheme encourages state schools to identify their most academically talented pupils and then give them extra tuition in order to help them make the most of their abilities.
However, the Liberal Democrats insisted the statistics, which also revealed very few of the pupils gain straight As at A-level, demonstrated the programme is not working and that its restrictions made things tough for teachers.
Figures compiled by the Independent Schools Council show that 92.9 per cent of pupils from its member schools achieved five A* to C grades, including English and maths, in 2007, compared with the national average of 46 per cent.