This paper explores the current education reform agenda in Kazakhstan, which is underpinned, in part, by the argument that investment in human capital through elite institutions for gifted children can lift up the whole system of education. The paper revisits two broad theoretical perspectives, relating to human capital and to ideas about education for gifted and talented children in their role as important assets for economic prosperity. Drawing upon examples from primary data, this paper examines the multifaceted model of education for gifted children that is being developed in Kazakhstan, which seeks to combine an internationally recognised curriculum with elements from national educational traditions. It involves strategic partnership with major international educational providers focusing on professional development of teachers. The paper argues that elite education as a model for social change has both advantages and drawbacks. Furthermore, any change that is likely to make a long-term difference will take time to become embedded. The paper concludes by highlighting themes that would merit future research in Kazakhstan, and elsewhere.