§ Mr. WillisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is his Department's definition of a gifted pupil; what criteria schools will use to identify such pupils to qualify for support under the Excellence in Cities Initiative; if all schools will be entitled to resources attached to the scheme; and if schools will be expected to bid for the resources. [78715]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisThe measures for gifted and talented pupils in "Excellence in Cities" are for the most able 5–10 per cent. of pupils in every secondary school within the specified areas, including those with particular talents such as music and sport. Schools will identify these pupils through a combination of measures, including test scores and teacher assessments, in accordance with best practice. Pupils at every secondary school within the specified areas will benefit from the initiative. The funding mechanisms for these measures will be discussed with LEAs and others.