Grouping pupils for success

Research findings and guidance notes

The government has encouraged schools in successive white papers to consider the merits of grouping by ability, and many schools do, generally, organise pupils this way.

On 28 September 2006 the DfES published the outcomes of a research project into the current situation in schools regarding policy and practice for pupil grouping: Pupil Grouping Strategies and Practices at Key Stage 2 and 3. This research tells us that that effective grouping is assertive, thoughtfully planned and various, and that in-class grouping is the most effective way of all to ensure effective learning.

The full report is here http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/research/data/uploadfiles/RR796.pdf (link opens in new window)

The executive summary is here http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/research/data/uploadfiles/RB796.pdf (link opens in new window)

To accompany the research findings, the National Strategies have prepared a set of guidance, Grouping pupils for success aimed at school leadership teams, and subject leaders/coordinators. The guidance is designed to raise awareness of the implications of different approaches to pupil grouping and setting, so that schools can review their current policies and develop their approaches in ways that contribute to the personalised learning. It encourages schools to move on from the old 'for and against' debates about grouping to a more sophisticated understanding of what it means to group pupils for success.