YORK teenager James Ramsden is among just 100 pupils in the country who have been chosen to attend the first-ever summer school at The National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth.

The academy, based at the University of Warwick, is part of the Government's drive to target the country's brightest children and to help them fulfil their potential, whatever their background.

It is a trend which has seen schools in the region develop out-of-school classes and summer schools, aiming to encourage their most talented pupils to feel more self-confident and less embarrassed about being the "brainy" ones in class.

James, 14, of Dringhouses, York, was encouraged by his school, Millthorpe, to apply for a place at the national three-week summer school because of his academic achievements, particularly in maths and science.

He said he was "sort of" looking forward to it - he was a bit apprehensive about spending three weeks of his holiday away from home, but thought it was an opportunity not to be missed.

"I thought it was something interesting, and quite unique as well," he said.

"If I didn't do it now, I couldn't do it later."

At the moment, his main ambition is to develop his music, as he plays keyboards.

His dad Charles, a printer at Donnelleys, said: "I think it's a brilliant idea because it's a waste of talent if nothing is done for bright children.

"You hear so much about what they're doing for deprived children - this is about kids that can do very well and giving them the chance they deserve."

The students on the summer school will receive intensive tuition in mixed-age groups and activities will include sports and visits.

Back in York, Year Seven children at Manor CE School, and primary pupils moving up to Manor in September, will be among those taking part in a local summer school for the "gifted and talented".

Chris Woodward, organiser and assistant head teacher, said: "The aim is to challenge the more able. Traditionally, quite a lot is done for the less able children and maybe not so much done for the more able. We want to try and get them to believe that it's good to succeed, to feel special, so these pupils don't succumb to peer pressure, and realise they should not hide their light under a bushel."

One of the requirements of the summer school's council funding is that the work will be different to anything they might learn in school. Projects will include photography and writing, based on an exhibition at the Impressions Gallery, and setting up a French restaurant with menus in French.

Updated: 09:50 Wednesday, July 17, 2002