The mother of the 100,000th member of the National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth last night expressed doubt about creating a register of bright pupils.

Teresa Goodman, whose son David yesterday met Schools Minister Lord Adonis in London, said: "Teachers say they know what their pupils are able to do or not able to do and, to a certain degree, I would agree with them.

"My own personal view is I am in two minds whether we need any more lists. At one end of the spectrum you have a list of children who have behavioural problems. There is a list for people who are bright and talented but what happens to the poor Joe in the middle?"

David, aged 15, was identified by teachers at Handsworth Grammar School as among the top five per cent nationally after excelling in key stage three SAT tests aged 14.

The youngster, who lives in Ward End in east Birmingham, attended Eastbourne House Primary School in Acocks Green.

Ms Goodman said his success was more down to his teachers than being labelled as gifted and talented.

She added: "I know he is gifted and talented in other ways, not just academic, because he is my son.

"He is a well-rounded individual not just someone who sits there swatting with books. To have the recognition is nice.

"I would like to congratulate the teachers because they don't get enough pats on the back."