It is now widely recognised that some children have a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia, which can cast a shadow over their academic potential; it is equally clear that many extremely bright pupils may fail to achieve their full potential if such a difficulty is not recognised and dealt with.

Pupils benefit from the individual attention; therefore those who have any problems in keeping pace with their peers can be quickly spotted and provided with structured help by highly qualified teaching specialists. They also gain enormously in confidence from activities such as drama and public speaking, and from the support and friendship of their fellow students and the sympathetic staff.

It is of equal importance to identify boys and girls who are academic high-fliers and to tailor their school programme accordingly, in order that they continue to remain intellectually stimulated. This will avoid their ‘coasting’ through a vital phase of their education.