§         Professional development for teachers

§         Research into educational disadvantage and inclusion

§         Networking among practitioners in schools and university

§         Dissemination of project at national level

§         School-based initiatives

From the outset, Bridging the Gap has been characterised by a number of important distinguishing features, which are considered to have contributed to its successful outcomes to date. 

In particular, participants and other observers have identified the following as key success factors:

§         the role of the university as a central driving force

§         the focus on a whole-school approach to setting goals and monitoring outcomes

§         flexible and strategic targeting of resources in a way that produces sustainable impact in schools

§         the synergy and complementarity that is achieved between Bridging the Gap and other initiatives in schools and communities.