More able

Students who have the capacity to achieve or perform at the highest levels are often referred to as ‘more able’. In our analysis of progress these students are called ‘HATs’, referring to students with high prior attainment at KS2. Every child will be supported to ensure that they can enjoy school and excel in their studies and this includes the more able. The Student Inclusion committee of the governing body has a remit to monitor and evaluate provision for different groups of students, including the more able.

At primary-secondary transition we identify students who have achieved higher than the age related expectation and share this information with all staff. In most cases students will be taught in mixed ability classes throughout key stages 3 and 4 although core subjects introduce banding in years 9, 10 and 11. Within each class teachers differentiate work and use challenging questions to support high ability learners.

We always aim to have subject specialists teaching classes. We use pupil premium to support disadvantaged high ability students by ensuring individualised support including access to relevant visits, trips, courses, extra-curricular activities and resources. College and university fairs are run within school to promote high aspirations and visits are arranged to these institutions, including Russell Group universities. For the last two years we have worked with the Brilliant Club, a national programme that provides challenge through a range of extension activities that further promote academic excellence and high aspirations.