This guidance is centred on the educational needs of pupils who are talented in those subjects in schools commonly grouped together as the arts:

- Art and Design

- Dance 

- Drama

- Music

The content is underpinned by the principle that every pupil should be offered opportunities to engage in all the arts, irrespective of ability. The inclusive nature of the arts subjects is to be celebrated. Arts experiences in schools can and do engage all pupils.

To cater for the needs of talented pupils, it is important to identify their talent at an early point in their development. This guidance will provide comprehensive assistance to teachers who wish to identify and support pupils with talent in one or more of the arts. As well as being of value to teachers, this guidance will also be helpful to artists, and other arts specialists involved in education.

Though this guidance may focus on talented pupils, there is much that will be of more general assistance to teachers. The case studies for example, involve both talented pupils and others who, though not as able, may be enthusiastic and motivated in their artistic practice. It is a strength of the arts that much activity involves pupils of all abilities working together co-operatively, learning from each other.