A new report has revealed a significant disparity in educational attainment between intelligent 15-year-olds and their more affluent peers.

In fact, the report, conducted by the Institute of Education, found that the gap between intelligent rich and poor children is twice that of most other countries.

The biggest gap, though, was found to be in New Zealand and USA, according to the study.

"Education policy over the last decade has focused considerable attention on improving the attainment of less able children from poor backgrounds with some success," commented Dr John Jerrim of the Institute of Education.

"Now policy makers must turn their attention to reducing inequalities in educational achievement amongst the brightest children in society, to ensure that those from disadvantaged families are not left behind."

The government, for its part, has acknowledged this disparity and pledged to improve the situation through initiatives like the pupil premium, which offers additional support to the poorest children.

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