Attainment grouping in mathematics learning

10 May 2017

What are the effects of attainment grouping on mathematics learning?

• There are many ways to group pupils by attainment; in-class grouping is the most flexible
• Setting and grade repetition appears to replicate existing socio-economic inequality
• Grouping by attainment can have negative effects on motivation and restrict expectations of pupils
• Mixed attainment grouping may increase teacher planning time and be associated with more behavioural problems
• There is mixed evidence on attainment outcomes from different forms of grouping; no overall difference in effectiveness is clear
• Grouping pupils by attainment may suggest a fixed mindset view of mathematical learning