League table for gifted pupils

The government has announced plans to launch a league table for gifted pupils.

As part of a drive to help youngsters, schools have been urged to identify their gifted pupils who are expected to achieve two or three levels above the average ability for their age group.

Following this a new league table will be published revealing the proportion of exceptionally bright children in each state secondary school.

Under the scheme, schools will be obliged as of this year to publish the number of 14-year-olds achieving exceptionally high scores in their Key Stage Three results.

But Lord Adonis, the school's minister, said : "Identifying and celebrating high attainment encourages schools to focus on those who need extra help because they have particular abilities and talents, which is just as crucial as helping those who are at risk of falling behind.

"It is important to support able pupils who are achieving level seven or eight when they are 14, making sure that they are on course to achieve A* grades at GCSE, get three good A levels or a diploma and go on to the best course at the right university."