Genetic differences and equal opportunities: Focusing on identical twins

Twins can teach us much about how ability, achievement, personality, well-being and a whole range of traits are influenced by genes, experience and the dance between the two.  So what have twin studies taught us so far? And what does it really mean to say that a pupils' GCSE results - or their personality or mental health - are 'heritable'?  How can we ensure equal opportunities for all young people at the same time as taking their biological diversity into account?

Drawing on data from the Twins' Early Development Study (TEDS), and her own work with identical twins, Kathryn Asbury explores some of these issues and attempts to dispel a few myths along the way.