§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will list the steps he is taking to meet the learning needs of the most able pupils. [110322]
§ Mr. MilibandThe Government's policy on gifted and talented education is summarised in the 2001 White Paper, "Schools Achieving Success"(Cm 5320, pages 20–22). We aim to provide support through all our key teaching and learning strategies, and through a discrete programme that operates at three levels: intensive school-based activity in areas of disadvantage, provided through Excellence in Cities and related programmes; regional support across Greater London through GATE A, the gifted and talented education arm of the London Challenge; and nationally available resources, including the Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth and a national summer schools programme. We are exploring what further support we can offer to local authorities that do not benefit from Excellence in Cities or the London Challenge.