In this age of competition, and where success is often judged by attainment and material possessions, great care has to be taken when separating the cream from the milk.

The need to nurture those with special talents and put them on the fast track has to be balanced with equal opportunities for all.

The announcement of a three-year project designed to enhance the learning of talented and gifted pupils does just that.

The fact that so many local schools are working together is an indication of how much those in the field of education not only support, but believe in the idea of excellence.

The co-ordinator of the programme, John Lockwood, who teaches at Greenhead, stresses that the extra activities will not be to the detriment of other pupils.

Those involved want to see the benefits from funding rolled-out to involve as many students as possible.

One exciting phrase shines through as teachers prepare to stretch academically gifted students - doing well is cool and can also be fun.

The scheme may well open up old wounds and resurrect arguments such as 'there is no such thing as failure'.

Anyone who believes they can offer ideas or support the programme should not hesitate to step forward.

What must not be overlooked is that while the farce rages over the schools reorganisation, and dozens of teachers still do not have jobs for the autumn, pioneering programmes such as this are still forging ahead.

No-one could ask more of our schools. They are rising above the unacceptable levels of disruption to provide a rounded education with the well-being and future of their pupils at the forefront of their minds.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.