HC Deb 09 November 1982 vol 31 cc116-7W
47. Mr. Neil Thorne

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has plans for helping gifted children to reach their full potential in the education system.

Dr. Boyson

All schools should provide for the full range of ability of their pupils, and the needs of the most able pupils should be met wherever they may be. Many local education authorities already make special provision for gifted children, and my Department is sponsoring research in this field. We have also established the assisted places scheme to give able children a wider range of educational opportunity and we have expanded the scheme of support for pupils with outstanding talent in music and ballet.