Brightest pupils tagged to track potential

Children who through test results or other means, prove to be the most able, will soon have their names put on a national register of the country's brightest pupils. Head teachers in secondary schools are being asked to nominate their most able pupils, while children who get the best results from the national curriculum tests at the age of 11 will also be included. Their progress will then be tracked to ensure they reach their full potential.

Children on the registry will then be eligible for membership of the National Academy of Gifted and Talented Youth (Nagty). Nagty, which is based at Warwick University, povides on-line courses, summer schools and weekend seminars for members.

Lord Adonis said the scheme was necessary to 'stop the terrible waste of talent when children don't reach their full potential'. But the government's ideas were challenged by some, including Chris Woodhead, the former chief inspector of schools who called for grammar schools to be reintroduced instead.

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