From the Head of Learning and Teaching – Flexible Ability Groupings

At MLC School, we believe every girl has academic potential and deserves to be challenged at her point of need. Learning happens best when students work just beyond their comfort zone, where they are challenged at their point of need. It is important that we create opportunities for healthy struggle that lead to deep thinking and meaningful growth.  Because every girl starts from a different place, in 2026 we will introduce flexible ability groupings in some subjects. This approach helps teachers design learning that meets each student where she is. It allows them to provide the right level of challenge and support for each student, ensuring that learning is meaningful and engaging. Our goal is for every girl to reach the high expectations we set, supported by teachers who are trained to differentiate for individual needs, including gifted learners and neurodivergent students. This approach is central to our 2026 professional learning focus and aligns with our 2025–2027 strategic plan. We are committed to helping every girl reach her full potential.

Below, I’ve answered some common questions to help you understand what this means for your daughter and how it supports our vision for excellence.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are flexible ability groupings?
   Flexible ability groupings mean that students are placed in classes with others at a similar stage of learning for certain subjects. This helps teachers design lessons that meet each girl’s needs more effectively. These groupings are not fixed – students can move between classes over time as their learning progresses.
2. Why is MLC School introducing this approach?
   We want every girl to be challenged at her point of need. Research shows that meaningful learning happens when students work just beyond their comfort zone. Grouping students by ability allows teachers to provide the right level of challenge and support for each learner.
3. Does this mean only high-achieving students are challenged?
   No. We believe every girl has high potential and deserves to be challenged. Our goal is for all students to experience healthy struggle and deep thinking, regardless of their starting point.
4. Will my daughter be ‘labelled’ by her class placement?
   Absolutely not. Groupings are flexible and reviewed regularly. Students may move between classes from one semester to the next or between years, based on their progress and in consultation with parents.
5. How does this support students with different needs?
   Teachers are trained to differentiate within each class, so every student receives personalised support. This includes strategies for gifted learners and for students who are neurodivergent or need additional help.
6. How does this fit with MLC School’s vision?
   Challenging every girl at her point of need is our whole-school professional learning goal for 2026 and aligns with our 2025–2027 strategic plan. We are committed to high expectations for all students and ongoing teacher development to achieve this.

Welcome to our new Head of Department – English, Emma Brandon

We are delighted to have Emma Brandon joining us at the start of 2026 as our new Head of Department – English.