For parents who are new to the education system in England, one of the most confusing things is “setting”. So what exactly are sets, how are they decided, and how do they affect your child's education? Here are the answers to all your questions!
What Is Setting?
Setting means grouping students according to their academic level. The aim is for every child to be taught at a pace that suits them, because asking a student who grasps things quickly and one who needs more time to move at the same pace can hold both back.
Key Points:
✔Every school decides on setting according to its own resources. Some schools have 3 sets, others 2, and some don't use sets at all.
✔Students don't have to be in the same set for every subject. For example, a student in the top set for maths may be in the middle set for English.
✔Students who do well can move up to higher sets, while those who struggle academically may move down.
How Are Sets Decided?
There are some tests and assessment criteria that decide which set a student is in:
National Statutory Assessments:
- Reception Baseline Assessment: The assessment teachers carry out in the Reception year.
- Year 2 SATs: Standard Assessment Tests taken in Year 2 of primary school (some schools may not do them).
- Year 4 Multiplication Tables Test: A test on times tables.
- Year 6 SATs: The test at the end of primary school that plays an important role in the move to secondary school.
These tests show a student's academic level and give the school an idea of which set they should be in. But if your child has recently moved to England or hasn't taken these tests before, they usually start in the bottom set and are moved up to a suitable set as their level is assessed over time.
Setting and GCSE Exams
One of the biggest effects of setting on your child's education shows up in GCSE preparation. GCSE exams have two tiers:
1️⃣ Foundation Tier: Covers more basic content; the highest grade available is a 5.
2️⃣ Higher Tier: More extensive; offers the chance of grades from 3 to 9.
Which tier a student sits usually depends on their set. Students in higher sets are entered for the Higher Tier exam, while those in lower sets usually sit the Foundation Tier exam. So if your child stays in a lower set, it can limit the highest GCSE grade they can get and affect their future education.
🔔 IMPORTANT: If your child has high academic potential but started in a low set because of a language barrier or settling in, keep in close contact with the school and provide extra support to help them move up to higher sets.
How Does Setting Affect Your Child's Future?
Pros:
- Students are taught at a pace suited to their level.
- It can be more motivating and help students reach their full potential.
- It opens a more advanced academic path for students who move up.
Cons:
- Students who start in a low set may not be able to sit the Higher tier exam if nobody intervenes in time.
- Because new arrivals usually start in lower sets, it can be hard for them to reach the level they deserve without extra support.
What do you think? Share your views in the comments to support other parents! 😊