Mixed ability English at GCSE

[katydel2007]

My daughter is going to have to go to a secondary which does not set for any subject, even GCSE English. The school says research points to setting being of no benefit. I do not believe this to be the case for higher attainers. I could just about be ok with mixed ability in core subjects for Years 7+8 but GCSE??? Any advice would be so appreciated. Thank you!

What are their results like for high attainers (check the Progress 8 for this group)?

If the school does mixed ability well it should be fine.
If they do it badly ...

The school my DD is going to next year also doesn't set for any subject, except maths (setting from yr 7). However, there seems to be some "hidden streaming" from yr 9 in the sense that all the kids who do triple science for GCSE also will have English together for timetabling reasons. Maybe this is also the case in your school?

My DC's school does not set for any subject except maths. As the school has told you research shows mixed ability teaching benefits all but the top 2% ( I think). My own experience is that my DC have been taught to their ability. Also their results are virtually identical to a local school that sets in every subject from day 1.