Gifted pupils will pay less after government raised funding

The National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth, based at the University of Warwick will reduce the ceiling on fees from �1,000 to �600.

There are 900 places at summer schools - offering subjects not normally taken at school, such as Japanese and archaeology - this year.

The academy announced in February that it was to charge students for the first time, after a free pilot scheme last year.

School standards minister David Miliband said: "I saw for myself the success of last year's pilot summer school and we are determined that students from all backgrounds should be able to take up this tremendous opportunity

"The summer schools are part of our commitment to identify and promote excellence wherever it exists, to tackle underachievement and stretch the most able .

"The academy seeks to work collaboratively with schools in meeting the needs of their gifted and talented students. I look to schools to make the contribution expected of them, and so demonstrate their commitment to this partnership."

The three-week summer schools are taking place at five venues this year - Warwick, Christchurch College Canterbury, Durham, Exeter, and York.

Those taking part are chosen from the top 5% of the ability range for 11 to 16 year olds.

The academy, funded by the government, Warwick University, business and private donations, aims eventually to offer teaching for 150,000 children.