Cash help for bright children

OLDHAM’S brightest pupils from disadvantaged homes are set to be given scholarships to help them get into the top universities.

Schools Minister Vernon Coaker said that as of next year the pupils will get a £250 scholarship for up to four years aimed at helping them develop their gift or talent.

It will be targeted at the brightest students aged 14 to 19 who also qualify for free school meals to help them progress during school to win a place at a competitive university.

Pupils will have control over how to spend their cash whether it be subscribing to the “New Statesman” if a student is interested in politics, or helping with fare costs to attend an event put on by a university about their chosen subject.

A gifted and talented pupil is someone who have one or more abilities developed to a “level significantly ahead of their year group” — or with the potential to develop, according to the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF).

In England the term “gifted” refers to those pupils who are capable of excelling in academic subjects such as English or history. “Talented” refers to those pupils who may excel in areas requiring vision-spatial skills or practical abilities, such as in games and PE, drama, or art.

Latest figures show there are 1,616 secondary school pupils classed as gifted or talented in Oldham — 10.1 per cent of the student population.

Mr Coaker said: “We want to make sure that every child succeeds and that no child is held back by the luck of the draw in their circumstances.

“By targeting scholarships at disadvantaged but gifted young people we want to open up their opportunities and raise their aspirations.”

An online database will be set up so pupils can see events being put on by universities that suit their particular specialism.

Lead schools in each area will also be given cash to provide extra activities from summer camps to extra sport and music and drama lessons.

Mr Coaker added: “Our new online catalogue will allow gifted pupils and their teachers to ‘shop’ for extra activities and the new network of schools will help them unlock the potential of all their talented young people.

“Ensuring that every child does well at school and gains the knowledge, skills and qualifications they need is what we must do to secure the future success of our country and society.”