Golden Age or Harmful Obsession Policy and Practice of Gifted and Talented Education in England 1997-2008

Abstract

In 1997 a 'New Labour' government was elected in the United Kingdom, under the leadership of Tony Blair. In the decade which followed, educational policy and practice in England included active intervention to promote learning and achievement of the most able children in state schools, under the label of 'gifted and talented'. This review recalls developments in provision for these children during that time, in relation both to an inclusive school curriculum and to separate out-of-school learning. The differing ways in which this period of activity and development in gifted and talented education in England can be viewed are critically appraised. Keywords gifted and talented children, gifted learners, education in England, out-of-school education