The school actively promotes the academic, personal and spiritual development of all children but recognises that some students have special abilities or talents; they are Gifted and Talented.

We identify these students from primary school information in the first instance. In Year 7 all students take a series of 'MIDYIS' tests which help us look for potential. Names are identified on class registers and, of course, students are set accordingly. The register is reviewed regularly. Students who are working at a level significantly ahead of their year group are added to the register. Talented pupils are identified from the areas of Art, Music, Dance and Drama. The progress of all gifted and Talented students is monitored closely.

Our Gifted and Talented students are encouraged to enrol as members of the National Learning Academy. This newly launched programme uses the latest technology to deliver activities and resources designed to extend Young Gifted and Talented students Many departments run lunch time and after school clubs for these students. In Year 10 a day's visit to Oxford University is organised.

Some Key Stage Four students are identified for accelerated courses and they then have the opportunity to start AS courses in Year 11. We are currently evaluating our progress in this area against the Ofsted Quality Standards and will then identify our 'next steps'.

The school has a Gifted and Talented consultant, Mrs E James