'Talent' vouchers attacked by union.

ONE of the largest teaching unions yesterday criticised a scheme which will give the brightest pupils in England's schools vouchers to spend on extra lessons and activities.

Jerry Bartlett, from the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT), said he was "dubious" about how the scheme would raise educational standards.

Children of all abilities should be helped to reach their full potential, rather than the focus being on the cleverest, he claimed.

A vouchers system is to be introduced into schools for the first time, allowing the country's top 800,000 pupils to "buy" extra classes, according to the Daily Telegraph.

An initial pounds 65m has been earmarked for the credit system, with extra money coming from the Government's existing pounds 930m "personalised learning" programme.

John Dunford, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, formerly the Secondary Heads Association, welcomed the move.

He said: "The gifted and talented programme has provided additional stimulation for many young people and I welcome its extension to the whole population."