NACE - National Association for Able Children in Education

Who we are

An independent charity founded over 40 years ago, the National Association for Able Children in Education (NACE) works with schools, education leaders and practitioners to improve provision for more able learners and increase challenge for all. Our mission is:

• To support and work with schools in England, Wales and internationally to enable teachers and senior leaders to understand the needs of their more able learners and to develop high-quality provision and learning cultures which raise expectations and standards for all.
• To develop and disseminate evidence-based approaches to provision for more able learners and to undertake and spearhead research into effective practices for such learners.
• To champion more able learners, including those experiencing disadvantage, and to lobby for their inclusion in school improvement strategies, national education policy and other developments to achieve greater equity in education for all learners.

Our culture and values

All of our work is based around the following core principles:

The education of more able learners is a whole-school endeavour which should be embraced by school leaders at all levels

Addressing the needs of more able learners can raise achievement for a much wider group of learners in a school by increasing challenge for all

Providing for more able learners is about creating a curriculum which gives opportunities for all children to flourish

Considering the needs of more able disadvantaged learners is crucial to ensuring an inclusive and fair curriculum

Ability can be revealed across a range of specific domains, or more generally, and not only in traditional academic subjects

An ethos and culture of high expectations and aspirations is integral to any school providing for more able learners

Teachers are central to providing challenging and enriching education, and their professional development is paramount.

Ability is a fluid concept: it can be developed through challenge, opportunity and self-belief. 

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

NACE is an equal opportunities employer. We recognise the positive value of diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds.