Cash claim over 'too bright' pupil

The girl is now being educated privately

A father is launching an unusual legal challenge, claiming his daughter is too clever for her local school.

Tim Southern, a single parent, has brought the case, saying his daughter should be classed as having special needs.

He says her nearest comprehensive, Reading Girls School, failed to stretch her, and Oxfordshire County Council should pay for her to be educated privately.

The case will be heard at the High Court next month.

Mr Southern will argue that very bright students should be treated as having special needs, in the same way as those with learning difficulties.

He wants Oxfordshire County Council to foot the £2,500 bill for educating her privately.