He underscores the importance of the state and society being able to identify and encourage talented and critical thinkers, adding that young people should be raised in an atmosphere of intellectual freedom and civic engagement.

VOA: standard.2009.11.12

According to Angela Burns, evidence shows 20% of Welsh children fall in the able and talented category.

BBC: Conservatives' debate

Shadow Education Spokesperson Angela Burns AM argued that able and talented pupils are not being challenged in schools.

BBC: Conservatives' debate

She added that these schools do not do enough to identify, support or track the progress of more able and talented pupils.

BBC: Conservatives' debate