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Framework

What is personalised learning? Adobe Acrobat Reader required (77kb, 3 pages)

Read the full framework.

Making it happen

Activity one

Identifying the key components of personalising learning.

Activity two

Developing your own definition of personalising learning.

Activity three

Exploring what personalising learning means for you and your school.

Audit tools

Resources and tools to support school leaders in applying the principles within the framework.

Learning through sharing

Engage in conversation with other school leaders about leadership for personalising learning.

Contribute your ideas, suggestions and experiences.

Further resources

What is personalising learning?

Personalising learning is much more than a portfolio of effective teaching and learning strategies focused on the individual. It is primarily about an ethos or culture that is expressed through a number of pivotal components.

Key components of personalising learning.

Personalising learning is the process which empowers the learner to decide what, where, when and how they learn. Some of the specific strategies that support this process include assessment for learning, curriculum choice and mentoring and support

Management for personalising learning.

If personalising learning is to work then it requires a highly effective management infrastructure. Central to this are structures and systems, expertise in the use of ICT, a focus on eliminating within-school variation and the direct involvement of learners in the management of their learning.

Leadership for personalising learning.

Leading personalising learning is synonymous with learning-centred leadership. This means that the focus of leadership – at all levels – is on the quality of the learning experience of every learner in the school community. This involves, amongst other things , developing a learning-centred culture and creating a shared language of learning.

Leadership for personalising learning - a framework

Key components of personalising learning

Management of personalising learning

Leadership of personalising learning

  • Learning how to learn
  • Assessment for learning
  • Teaching and learning strategies
  • Curriculum choice
  • Mentoring and support
  • Minimising within-school variation
  • Student choice and voice
  • Information and communications technology (ICT)
  • School systems and structures
  • Culture and values
  • Learning-centred leadership
  • Distributed leadership
  • Networks and partnerships
  • Leading change

Case studies

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For the full case studies, visit the Case study page.

You may also be interested in reading the DCSF publication, Personalised Learning - A Practical Guide.

Reflective questions

Q: As a school leader, how would you define personalising learning? Is this definition consistent amongst all leaders in your organisation?
Q: How does leadership in your school promote a culture of high expectations and aspirations for all learners?
Q: How does leadership ensure that the learning opportunities in your school meet the needs of all learners - gifted and talented and those with special needs?
Q: How does leadership in your school support the provision for the Every Child Matters agenda?
Q: What would leaders state as the key component of personalising learning?

National survey

Read about the findings of the national survey.