ABSTRACT
Late developers (or, as they are sometimes called, ‘late bloomers’) have their own set of issues. Since encouragement and recognition tend to go to the early developers, those whose talents are not discovered and developed until later than usual may be at a distinct disadvantage. Late developers are often ‘under-identified’ and – partly as a result of low expectations (their own and others') – they often underachieve. Particularly in economically and socially deprived areas, pupils are less likely to have had an early start; they may therefore compare unfavourably with pupils from social groups where talent development is regarded as an essential part of every child's upbringing. (This is not always an advantage. For some pupils from well-to-do homes, the endless round of piano lessons, judo classes, tennis camps and the like can make them feel as if they are being force-fed with ‘polite accomplishments’.)
