Parents are turning to private tuition due to dissolution of UK schools Gifted & Talented programme

PRLog (Press Release) - Mar 08, 2010 -
Tutors International reports a large number of enquiries from parents of children who have received extra help from the Gifted and Talented programme that is being dismantled by the UK government. The programme, launched in 2002, was designed to provide summer school courses, support and master classes for pupils identified as the brightest students in their schools. Following the announcement, many parents who have depended on the Gifted and Talented programme to challenge their children academically and help them to reach their full potential, are turning to private tuition providers such as Tutors International to investigate alternative provision. For more information, visit www.tutors-international.com or call +44 (0) 1865 435 135.

"The parents I have spoken to are concerned by this announcement and have already begun to plan their next steps," commented Adam Caller, founder of Tutors International. "Some parents have really struggled to get the attention and specialist help for their children, and to have the provision taken away from them is a huge disappointment. However, I think that whilst many are seeing this as a step backwards, I personally feel that the Gifted and Talented programme was too widely applied, when it should have been reserved for truly exceptional children. Had that been the case, the money allocated to it may have stretched further and prolonged its life."

When asked how he would define "exceptional", Adam replied "Previously a child would only be considered exceptional if they had an IQ over 140, but I have seen children who are simply bright or above average be singled out as eligible for the Gifted and Talented programme. The school system works perfectly for a bright student who works hard. Problems can start if an exceptionally bright child is not stretched by their academic work, and in those circumstances the programme has been a great help. I do sympathise with parents of extraordinarily gifted children, as they do require stimulation above and beyond that which the majority of state schools can provide, but these children are relatively rare. If there are any parents who are uncertain about their child's academic future as a result of the end of this programme, I would welcome them to get in touch to determine whether one-to-one tuition would be the best solution for them."