Surely Labour should be focusing on backing the students who are not classed in their view as bright.

Sidharath Mahay, Handsworth Wood, West Midlands

Sidharath Mahay, Handsworth Wood, West Midlands

Labour has failed the state education system! It desperately introduces vouchers for the brightest pupils, yet there is a recognised 'rising tide of illiteracy' (Alexandra Blair/'The Times'/27.12.06). How odd that both ends of the ability spectrum appeared to be better catered for under the much-maligned tripartite system of the 1950s! Lord Adonis may increase the 'catchment' for his 'brightest' pupils to 10% - the truth is that he can't cheat the facts of proven ability.

Monica Waters, Hayling Island, UK

Monica Waters, Hayling Island, UK

Whilst a noble idea it is nevertheless another example of someone from up-high who hasn't a clue about what happens in schools.



If it is the brightest that this is aimed at then take the brightest. 10% from every school is not going to secure the brightest in the country. In my school our top 10% are merely average when compared to those from other schools in the 'nicer areas'.



Why should these average achieving kids gain access to a scheme when there are children out there who will miss out simply because they are in a school with a better cohort?



Why is money being spent on children who are already successfully learning at school to the detriment of those who are struggling?



What this is, is a case of another knee-jerk reaction resulting in an ill-conceived idea that will lead to more money being wasted.



The school system needs a reform- it is buckling under the stress. The government needs to stop plugging the holes with initiatives and targets and build a new ship.

Concerned Teacher, London,

Concerned Teacher, London,

Besides being incredibly creepy and Orwellian, this idea is probably impractical. What happens if a child who is only in the top 11% falsifies a voucher? Or are we having another database of "gifted and talented children" and talented identity cards so the bright can choose to ignore the other ninety percent of the people who inhabit this country.



This whole concept seems pretty unfair and it will not be much fun for the ninety percent of kids the government are choosing to label "not gifted and talented".



There are better ways to meet the needs of exceptionally bright kids:



1. Let them study autonomously and study things that interest them for extra credit.



2. Let them enjoy their free time. Boredom = increased creativity.



3. Rethink the idea that it is good for children to be forced into mixed ability classes in school. This only works for two children in the middle of the spectrum. It does no favours whatsoever for anyone else.

Catherine O'Dowd, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, England,

Catherine O'Dowd, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, England,

Another case of positive discrimination.

Raymond Pletts, Ozols Town, England

Raymond Pletts, Ozols Town, England

I disagree with the idea that the vouchers should only go to the brightest pupils. I can see the reason why they should, but it is a simple fact that there are a LOT of bright pupils working as hard as they can with substandard teaching in substandard schools. These students will not get grades which shoot them into the top 10% but this is not because they are not capable. I went to a useless school and was deseprate to be pushed but never was. A scheme like this would have let me, lets just hope it works.

Tim, Cardiff,

Tim, Cardiff,

Yet again another scheme for those already able to access the best in resources. High achieving schools are more likely to access this due to whole school perfomance and credibilty. The real issues on todays education system concern those who are denied competent special needs teaching in small groups. The majority of these pupils, who through lack of enthusiastic support from home or their social background, need extra support, often given by less qualified and experienced staff (despite their obvious commitment and intention) who are supervised by other staff. If schools were adequately resourced by those with the authority and financial credibility, we would probably see more success in the special needs departments. Existing staff are often working under real perceptions that their work is of less importance to that of the academic pupils' perfromance. I do not deny that the outside world is competitive but education is for all and resulting successes need to be applauded by all.

Gerald Hird, blandford Forum, Dorset

gerald Hird, blandford forum, dorset

The voucher scheme follows plans announced earlier this year to cherry-pick the brightest children in English state schools from the age of 11 for places at top universities.



When this happened to me it was call the Eleven Plus

D. A. Hall, North Vancouver, BC, Canada

D. A. Hall, North Vancouver, BC, Canada

My younger son was identified as academically gifted two years ago and is a member of the National Association for Gifted and Talented Youth (NAGTY). He attends a state comprehensive, and has been brought up by a single mother, so money is not plentiful. We have found that most of the summer schools, although subsidised, are too expensive. I cannot afford them. Also, they seem predominently to be held in the midlands or north of England, and we live in the South East. The cost of travelling is prohibitive. The provision of vouchers may help yop pay for the course, but if the Government really wants to make the opportunities available to all qualifying pupils, they should ensure that courses are held at venues throughout the country and/or provide free travel to the venue.

Donna Walker, Effingham, Surrey, England

Donna Walker, Effingham, Surrey, England