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How to identify your high and low-ability pupils

Get a handle on how to identify your high and low-ability pupils, so you can make sure your curriculum meets the needs of all learners. Find out how to assess pupils in both core and foundation subjects, and what to explain to Ofsted inspectors about your chosen method.

Last reviewed on 15 May 2025See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 2887
Contents
  1. Your curriculum should meet all pupils' needs
  2. It's up to you to decide how to identify these groups
  3. Prior attainment data is useful, but don't rely on it
  4. Use a range of methods to get a full picture 
  5. Pupils with SEN 
  6. Examples of policies

Your curriculum should meet all pupils' needs

Under the 2019 framework, Ofsted inspectors will want to see that your curriculum provides for all pupils. 

This means inspectors are likely to look at the work of both your high and low-ability pupils (high and low attainers) to understand how you're supporting everyone to progress. Find out how you can identify these groups below. 

Get more detail on how Ofsted inspects your curriculum under the 2019 framework.

Ofsted is changing its inspection process. Ofsted consulted on its proposed changes in the spring and expects to publish the outcomes in summer 2025. We'll update this article when this happens. Read about the proposed changes to inspections from 2025 in our summary.

There's no one right way to identify your high and low attainers, and you should choose the method that's right for your school's context. But be clear why you've chosen