Launching a 'National Conversation About Personalised Learning,' supported by a dedicated pamphlet and website, School Standards Minister David Miliband called on all schools to set out a foundation for the development of personalised learning, tailoring education to meet the individual needs, aptitude and aspirations of every child.

Speaking to an audience of over 500 head teachers, at two conferences on personalised learning Mr Miliband said:

"Personalised learning is the best practice of the best teachers and support staff in schools across the country. Our drive is to make these practices universal. Today we are taking forward the national debate on how best to develop this in every school to increase standards for every pupil.

"If we are to ensure that every child gets the best possible education, we must tailor teaching and learning around the needs and aspirations of individual students.

"For example, children at Westbury Primary School in Bristol get the opportunity to explore their interests in greater depth when the curriculum is focussed in themed weeks, while at Gateshead College, students are offered a wide range of academic and vocational courses and a choice of movement across participating institutions.

"These reforms are led by schools and supported by the work of national government. Our drive is to make personalised learning universal and I believe that today's resources will help us all achieve this goal."

The pamphlet, A National Conversation About Personalised Learning describes the concepts of personalisation and personalised learning. It identifies principles that can help guide actions at each level of the education system from nursery to 6th form, and sets out the five key components of personalised learning. It invites head teachers, teachers, school support staff and governors to join a national debate on how personalised learning can be best developed.

Related links to this article:

DFES [1]

Schools can access case studies, together with further resources at this link [2]

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