More and Most Able Students

How does Brockington identify a student as more able?

At Brockington College we are committed to recognising and nurturing the talents of all our students, including those identified as More and Most Able (MAMA). These students are defined as having one or more abilities developed to a level significantly ahead of their year group (Department for Children, Schools and Families, 2008). Research indicates that this group typically represents the top 10% of the school population (Montacute, 2018), which for Brockington equates to around 24 students per year group.

However, as the Sutton Trust notes (Montacute, 2018), identifying students can be complex, and it is important not to overlook potential. For this reason, we do not place a cap on the number of students identified as MAMA at Brockington. Instead, we seek to remain flexible and inclusive, ensuring that any student who demonstrates outstanding ability, talent or academic achievement is recognised. This approach is in line with the government’s former gifted and talented programme (Department for Children, Schools and Families, 2008).

Students may be identified as More and Most Able in several ways (Loft & Danechi, 2020), including:

  • Achieving a scaled SATs score of over 110 in all subjects

  • Achieving a national percentile rank score of 95 or above in the NGRT

  • Gaining BC grades of 8 or above at multiple assessment points

  • Demonstrating an exceptional skill, talent or academic gift beyond these measures

This research-informed approach ensures that identification is both rigorous and inclusive, allowing us to provide the right level of stretch and challenge so that our More and Most Able students can thrive.

Department for Children, Schools and Families. (2008) Identifying gifted and talented learners – getting started. Nottingham: DCSF Publications.

Loft, P. and Danechi, S. (2020) Support for more able and talented children in schools (UK). House of Commons Library Briefing Paper no. 9065. London: House of Commons Library.

Montacute, R. (2018) Potential for Success – Fulfilling the Promise of Highly Able Students in Secondary Schools. London: Sutton Trust.

More and most able provision: Aspiration for All

At Brockington College, our More and Most Able (MAMA) provision is about far more than tracking attainment. Whilst we monitor progress carefully, the programme is inclusive and open to any student who demonstrates flair, curiosity or passion for a subject. We believe that “more or most able” capabilities are best reflected in a student’s attitude to learning, commitment to curiosity and willingness to apply new experiences to their studies. Strong outcomes are the natural result of these qualities.

We provide a rich programme of opportunities to extend learning both inside and outside the classroom. Students can take part in workshops at museums, visits to universities, and a wide range of trips designed to spark interest and broaden horizons. Recent visits have included De Montfort University as well as opportunities to experience the world-class environments of Oxford and Cambridge. In school, additional support is offered to help guide students through their GCSE option choices, while challenge is built into every lesson through a rigorous curriculum and carefully designed “bright spark” tasks that stretch students to think deeply and creatively.

The programme is coordinated by Miss Sarah Leedham, who oversees provision, ensures that opportunities are well matched to students’ strengths and aspirations, and provides targeted intervention where needed. This ensures that our most able learners are fully supported, appropriately challenged and inspired to achieve their full potential.For queries about MAMA or to share opportunities, please contact Miss Leedham at sal@brockington.embracemat.org