What do I need to know about ability grouping?

Firstly, it’s important to understand the terminology we use when we talk about grouping children. “Streaming” is where children are put into groups based on their general ability levels, which they stay in for all subjects. This is also known as “banding”.

“Setting” means grouping children by individual subject. For instance, a child may be in the middle set for maths, but a lower set for English. The third option is mixed ability grouping, where children of all abilities are taught together.

Why are there so many options?

The grouping of children in schools has a complex history. Much of the research produced shows that grouping children by ability has very little and in some instances a negative impact.

How can grouping children into the same ability as their peers be negative?

Research from the EEF shows that although some higher-achieving learners do flourish in ability groups, the additional progress they may make is overshadowed by the negative impact it has on lower-ability learners. Ability grouping suggests a fixed mindset, in the sense it looks at the current ability level of a learner, rather than their potential.

Are children aware of that?

It would be foolish to assume that they aren’t. Groupings, no matter what you call them, are easily distinguishable to students and can perpetuate real problems. Rigid ability groups can be seen as a glass ceiling for students, which can create a kind of self-fulfilling prophecy about what they can achieve.

Surely though, ability grouping allows for targeted teaching. Isn’t that what Ofsted look for?

Ofsted maintain there is no clear link between grouping strategies and attainment, hence offering no advice. However, the ‘What Makes Great Teaching report’ actually cites grouping by ability as ineffective practice.  

So are mixed ability groups the way forward?

Research shows that fluid grouping in the classroom, whilst undoubtedly generating more work for the teacher, may be more beneficial. It provides a climate of flexible levels of challenge and ultimately reinforces a more fluid approach to learning.

Sarah Wright is a senior lecturer at Edge Hill University. She tweets as @Sarah__wright1

You can read more about ability grouping in the 28 October issue of TES.

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