Inspiration session: Accelerating education - should you really do that?

Many schools struggle with the same question: how can you provide appropriate education to pupils with high intellectual abilities without them getting stuck or becoming dependent on repetition? Although acceleration has been a proven effective approach for over a century, in practice it often proves to be exciting, unfamiliar or even controversial. At the same time, scientific research shows that acceleration is one of the most powerful interventions for bringing talent to fruition.

During this inspirational session on Tuesday, 10 March 2026 (4:00–4:45 p.m.), during the High Ability Week, you will discover how acceleration fits into the broader spectrum of appropriate education. You will learn why it works, when it is necessary, and how you, as a professional, can make an informed and evidence-based choice. Drawing on international insights, practical examples and decades of research, Prof. Lianne Hoogeveen shows how schools can confidently build an education system that truly meets the needs of gifted and talented pupils.

What will you learn?

You will gain insights, examples and practical tools to:

Understand why acceleration is an evidence-based intervention with positive effects on learning and well-being
Design appropriate education with interventions that actually meet the needs of gifted and talented pupils
Recognise and dispel misunderstandings and assumptions about acceleration
Make a professional, well-founded assessment when questions arise about acceleration in a pupil's school career

Who is it for?

For professionals in primary, secondary and specialised education, including:

Teachers and internal counsellors
Care coordinators and support specialists
School leaders and policymakers
Counsellors, coaches and psychologists who work with gifted and talented pupils
Professionals who want to further deepen their understanding of talent development

Practical information

Date: Tuesday, 10 March 2026
Time: 4:00–4:45 p.m.
Speaker: Prof Lianne Hoogeveen
Format: Online Zoom webinar (Lianne will be speaking live from Peru)
Language: Dutch
Cost: Free participation

About the speaker

Prof. Dr. Lianne Hoogeveen

Lianne Hoogeveen is professor of Identification, Support and Counselling of Talent and head trainer of the RITHA programme at the Radboud Centre for Social Sciences. She has been conducting research in the field of giftedness for many years, focusing in particular on invisible talent in education and healthcare among children, young people and adults.

Her doctoral research focused on the social-emotional effects of acceleration, a topic in which she is regarded as an international expert. She also works as a health psychologist at CBO Talent Development.