Gifted and Talented describes children and young people with an ability to achieve at a level significantly ahead of their year group or with the potential to develop those abilities.
- Gifted learners are those who have abilities in one or more academic subjects, such as maths, English, science, ICT
- Talented learners are those who have practical skills in areas like sport, music, design or creative and performing arts
Typically a school will identify 5% - 10% of students for their G&T register.
Each school may have slightly different identifying criteria, and may also have students at a vastly different academic level to their neighbouring schools. However the important measuring criteria is how students achieve or have the potential to achieve in direct comparison to the peers. For most schools gifted and talented students are identified through a consideration of both data, such as tests and exam results, combined with observation and recommendation from subject heads.
Schools have a responsibility to meet the educational needs of all their students. For the gifted and talented, this includes providing greater challenges in lessons and opportunities for pupils to develop potential gifts and talents.
Schools and local authorities may also provide additional activities beyond the everyday timetable.
The Institutional Quality Standards are designed to support improving the quality of Gifted and Talented education in schools and colleges. The IQS have received the support of both the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) and the National College for School Leadership (NCSL), and are recognised by Ofsted as the default self-evaluation tool for Gifted and Talented.
Read the Institutional Quality Standards for Gifted and Talented Education