‘Gifted’ alumni to help raise teenagers’ aspirations

Schools Minister Andrew Adonis today announced new plans to help ?gifted and talented? pupils apply successfully for the most sought after university places.

The scheme is part of a ?15million package to raise the aspirations and attainment of gifted pupils from state schools in London, the Black Country and Greater Manchester as part of the City Challenges. The scheme will be piloted through the London Challenge programme from this month and will involve ?Teach First Advocates?. It will then be rolled out to other regions.

The Teach First Advocates – who are themselves outstanding graduates either teaching in challenging schools or who are now working in business and other sectors – will mentor disadvantaged gifted students and their families so they are equipped and supported to apply successfully to the right courses at the most demanding universities.

Schools Minister Andrew Adonis believes the programme will help young people gain the
?confidence and skills they need to apply successfully to our most competitive universities.”

The minister for Lifelong Learners, Further and Higher Education, Bill Rammell said “this is very welcome news. There is talent and potential out there and if it is not being properly identified or nurtured at an early enough stage it is in danger of being unfulfilled.”

The ?160 million investment package City Challenge strategy aims to narrow attainment gaps between disadvantaged learners and their peers over the next three years.

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