Academy schools are state-maintained, but independently-run, schools that are established with the help of sponsors. Normally, these sponsors are businesses and educational trusts.

If a child is ahead of their peers, it can be a challenge for parents to accommodate their needs. So, which activities will best stretch gifted and talented children?

Broadly speaking, children are expected to reach a minimum of level four at the end of year 6 in reading, writing and mathematics and to move up two sub-levels each year from year 1 through to 6.

The new curriculum will form the foundations on which youngsters aged up to five can master the basic skills, as well as the resilience, confidence and personal skills needed for independent learning.

A report by the Advisory Committee on Mathematics Education concludes that all young people should study some form of mathematics to the age of 18 in order to better prepare them for higher education and the world of employment. In order to do this, additional courses need to be developed for study at the post-16 level.