It is something that politicians, academics and teachers have debated extensively: what does it take for disadvantaged pupils to succeed at school?

Now, TV documentary-makers are hoping to find the answer that has been eluding educationalists for years.

Generation Gifted, a new six-part documentary series, will begin on BBC Two next week. Two episodes will be screened this year, and four more over the next two years.

The aim is to follow the challenges facing six academically promising pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds, exploring the challenges they face as they take their GCSEs.

The first episode, to be screened on Wednesday 14 February, focuses on three Year 9 girls. Anne-Marie, who lives in South Wales, is an avid reader who wants to go to university, but needs help dealing with the idea of sitting exams.

Nurturing talent

Shakira, meanwhile, is a talented artist. Her school, in the Staffordshire town of Tamworth, is attempting to nurture her talent by pushing her out of her comfort zone.

And aspiring paediatrician Jada dreams of achieving the necessary GCSE grades to win a place at a grammar school sixth form in her home town of Birmingham.

A second episode, to be screened the following evening, introduces viewers to three 13-year-old boys. Kian, who lives in the North-East town of Hartlepool, is a bright mathematician. But he remains worried about the future and suffers under the weight of his father’s expectations.

In Newcastle, Liam is likely to do well in his science GCSEs. But his teachers fear that his lack of self-belief will prevent him from achieving his full potential.

And, in London, Jamarley’s difficult home life threatens to affect his studies.

On both days, Generation Gifted will be screened on BBC Two at 9pm.

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