Website of the UK government

What 'gifted and talented' means

'Gifted and talented' describes children and young people with an ability to develop to a level significantly ahead of their year group (or with the potential to develop those abilities):

Skills like leadership, decision-making and organisation are also taken into account when identifying and providing for gifted and talented children.

Identifying gifted and talented children

If you think your child is gifted or talented, you should first discuss their abilities and needs with your child's teacher or headteacher. All schools should have a Leading Teacher for Gifted and Talented Education (or share one in the case of some primary schools) whom you could speak to as well. Local authorities may also have a Gifted and Talented lead.

All mainstream schools should register the identification of their gifted and talented pupils as part of the Annual School Census. Schools will identify children based on evidence including test results, quality of work and the views of teachers and parents.

Children may move on and off their school's Gifted and Talented register over time - especially in primary schools - as they develop at different rates to their peers.

• Contact your local council

• Find out more about the Annual Schools Census Opens new window

Support for gifted and talented pupils

Schools have a responsibility to meet the educational needs of all their pupils. 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.

You should talk to your child's teacher, the school's Leading Teacher for Gifted and Talented Education or the headteacher about the support available. You may also find it helpful to talk to your local authority's Gifted and Talented lead, if they have one.

Young Gifted and Talented programme (YG&T)

The Young Gifted and Talented programme (YG&T) was set up in 2007 to provide support and opportunities for gifted and talented children aged 4 to 19, including those who were members of the former National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth (NAGTY).

The YG&T Learner Academy gives them the opportunity to participate in activities designed to stretch and challenge them through a range of online and face-to-face events. It also creates opportunities for gifted and talented students to meet and socialise with other young people with similar interests and outlooks.

The YG&T website also provides information and links to other sources of support for parents, governors and those who work with gifted and talented children and young people.

• More about Young Gifted and Talented Opens new window

Leading Teachers for Gifted and Talented Education

Every secondary school should have a trained Leading Teacher for Gifted and Talented Education. Leading Teachers in primary schools may work across a small cluster of schools. The Leading Teacher will work with the headteacher and senior managers to improve provision across the school(s). They will also work closely with other teachers to ensure that teaching and learning approaches ensure work is sufficiently challenging to meet the needs of all gifted and talented pupils on a day-to-day basis.

National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)

The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) runs an independent parent support network to help parents and carers resolve disputes with schools and local authorities. It also offers advice and support to parents and carers of gifted and talented children.

• More about National Association for Gifted Children Opens new window

Music and Dance Scheme (MDS)

Parents and teachers are being asked to look out for children with exceptional talent and the dedication required to become top performers. If so, they can be given specialist tuition. The MDS currently enables more than 1,700 pupils to receive specialist tuition in:

• eight independent specialist boarding schools in England (four music schools and four dance schools)
  
• 20 Centres for Advanced Training (CATs)
  
• some choir schools

At the music schools and CATs in the scheme, children aged eight upwards are given expert tuition alongside a good academic education. Children aged 11 and over can attend the dance schools.

All children attending the CATs do so out of normal school hours. The scheme helps parents with the fees and other costs (including travel) associated with their education and training.

A gifted or talented child with potential in either of these two performing arts must meet the individual selection rules for the school or centre. There is usually an audition and an interview. Schools and CATs look for children with exceptional potential and ability, so there will be competition for the places available.

Children are eligible if they’ve been living in the British Isles for at least two calendar years before entering into one of the schools. Special rules apply if a child:

• has been temporarily abroad
  
• is a refugee
  
• is the child of a worker from certain other European countries
  

• The Music and Dance Scheme Opens new window

More useful links

• National register to help gifted pupils reach their potential

• Discuss gifted and talented children with other parents (Mumsnet) Opens new window

• Find out about the national programme for gifted and talented children Opens new window