Why personalised learning matters (and how we make sure no child is left behind)

In an education system that often directs attention towards the highest achievers and those who need the most support, the learners in the middle can sometimes be overlooked – not intentionally, but simply because they seem to be managing well.

These are the steady, capable learners who rarely trigger intervention, but who also do not always receive the stretch and attention needed to reach their full potential. At Nord Anglia Education we refuse to let anyone slip through the net. Personalised learning is how we make sure every child, whatever their starting point, can create their future.

The “Forgotten Middle”: who they are and why they matter

The phrase “Forgotten Middle” describes the large group of learners who sit between the highest achievers and those who are most obviously in need of support. Left unattended, these students may miss out on enrichment, extension and the kind of targeted feedback that accelerates progress. Research long warned that sustained attention early in a child’s journey is a critical predictor of later outcomes. Putting these learners centre stage is not about labels; it is about fairness and opportunity - ensuring that steady progress becomes strong outcomes.

What personalised learning actually looks like

Personalised learning is not a buzzword. At its best it is a coherent approach that adapts teaching methods, curriculum pacing, and enrichment to individual needs. That can mean differentiated classroom tasks, short one-to-one sessions, small group tuition, or bespoke subject pathways. Evidence reviews suggest that carefully implemented individualised instruction produces measurable gains for learners, particularly when teachers use assessment to inform tailored activities and provide regular, focused feedback. In other words, personalisation that is purposeful and evidence informed works.

The conditions that make personalised learning succeed

Not every attempt at personalisation yields the same benefits. The research points to a set of conditions that increase the chance of success: well trained staff who know how to interpret assessment data, consistent classroom routines that allow teachers to offer targeted support, and a curriculum that allows flexible pacing and varied tasks. The wider literature also emphasises that personalised approaches must be clearly planned and monitored, otherwise differences between students can widen rather than narrow. At school level this means investment in teacher professional development, clear tracking of progress, and a culture that values growth for every child.

Learning today versus learning in the past

Classrooms today are different in two important ways. First, technology has opened new possibilities for tailored instruction: adaptive platforms, rich multimodal input, and formative assessment tools let teachers see where a learner is and respond quickly. Second, the skills schools emphasise have broadened. We still teach knowledge and disciplinary thinking, but we now place greater emphasis on collaboration, digital literacy, creativity and metacognitive strategies - all of which benefit from personalised pathways that allow students to practise and apply skills in authentic contexts. That said, researchers are clear that technology alone is not a silver bullet: devices and apps only add value only when they are embedded within strong teaching practice.

Why early and sustained support pays off

Progress in learning is rarely a single leap. For many pupils, gains come as a sequence of small steps, each reinforced by high quality input and practice. That is particularly true for language development and for academic literacy across subjects. Schools that identify needs early and combine classroom differentiation with targeted interventions typically see both quicker wins and deeper long-term outcomes. In short, sustained investment in personalised learning builds momentum.

How we make sure no child is left behind at Nord Anglia

Our approach is practical and purposeful. Key elements include routine diagnostic checks, carefully planned targeted support, one-to-one and small group tuition where appropriate, and a curriculum designed to give meaningful opportunities to practice in class and beyond. Teachers and leaders meet regularly to review progress and to plan next steps. We also ensure that enrichment and stretch are available to those who need it, so the “middle” never becomes invisible.

[SCHOOL EXAMPLE PLACEHOLDER]
Each school should add one or two short local examples here. For instance: a Year 5 teacher who designed a small reading group to help a cluster of learners access more challenging texts; a language specialist who led lunchtime conversation clubs to accelerate EAL progress; or a maths teacher who introduced scaffolded tasks to stretch capable learners. These concrete stories bring the approach to life and show parents what personalised support really looks like in practice.

Equity, evidence and honest ambition

Personalised learning can be a powerful lever for equity, but it must be pursued with rigour. Recent reviews urge caution: without clear aims, good assessment and professional development, personalisation risks offering different inputs rather than more equitable outcomes. That is why our work combines compassion with evidence. We measure, reflect and adjust. We train teachers in effective strategies and we keep the child’s trajectory front and centre.

A simple invitation

If you are curious about how personalised learning can help your child, our free Personalised Learning Consultation is a good place to start. We will look at your child’s current profile, share practical next steps and explain the kinds of in-school support available. Together we can map a pathway so every learner moves from steady progress to exceptional outcomes.

Create Your Future – Tailored Learning for Every Child.