CYP Now - Opinion: Vox Pop - Should data on gifted pupils be part of leaguetables?

The government is to add figures on the number of gifted pupils to secondary school league tables. Ministers say the inclusion of this data, based on Key Stage 3 tests, will encourage more schools to recognise the needs of these pupils.

NO - JOHN DUNFORD, general secretary, Association of School and College Leaders

This is the wrong way to use Key Stage 3 tests. These tests should be a check on progress and they are being used for too many purposes already. It is of monumental irrelevance to the future of the most gifted pupils whether they have done well in Key Stage 3 tests. What's more important is that they have stimulating activities both within and outside of the curriculum, something which Key Stage 3 league tables give no credit to. These league tables are a waste of public money and schools should be concentrating on results at 16 and 18.

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