TalentEd

d educational inequality is highest amongst the brightest students. High ability students from low income backgrounds do not fulfil their academic potential. Bright but poor pupils in England and Scotland (in the top 10% of achievement nationally, but the lowest quarter socio-economically) are substantially behind bright well-off pupils academically – a gap of around 2 years and 8 months (Sutton Trust, 2017). These students also miss out on university and careers. The 2014 Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission Report tells us that the most advantaged children are 6 times more likely to go to university than the most disadvantaged. In addition, those from low income backgrounds are more than twice as likely to be unemployed. We work with bright students who are eligible for Free School Meals, or who attend schools with higher than average levels of Free School Meals. Together with the school we select a cohort of high prior attainers who are no longer on track for top grades. For example, secondary school pupils who achieved level 5s at Key Stage 2, but who are no longer on track for three A-A*/7-9 grades at GCSE. To contribute to our costs, we charge schools dependent on the size of the cohort that need support. Schools often consider this to be a good use for parts of their Pupil Premium or Aim Higher budgets. We are a registered charity and we also receive grant funding to help subsidise our processes. Please visit our website: www.talent-ed.uk for more information or to get involved.