What kinds of ability grouping are there and why do schools and teachers choose them?
The researchers identified and defined six main kinds of grouping practice. They also gave reasons why teachers and schools choose to adopt each of these forms of grouping. We have summarised their definitions and reasons below. Streaming Pupils or students are placed in classes on the basis of a test or less formal assessment of their general ability and remain in their streamed class for most subjects. Streaming reduces the spread of ability within the class, making it easier for teachers to match their teaching to pupils’ and students’ levels of academic ability. Banding Students are placed in two, three or four bands on the basis of an assessment of their general ability, where each band contains several classes. Students may be regrouped within the band for some subjects. Banding is less rigid than streaming, especially when there are fewer bands in a school and each band includes several classes. Setting Pupils and students are grouped according to their attainment in a particula