Adaptive teaching: same lesson, different learners
Adaptive teaching is no longer a ‘nice to have’: it is essential for schools striving to meet the diverse needs of learners in today’s classrooms. The recently published Ofsted tool kits, have inclusion as a golden thread running through aspects of school life. With increasing recognition of the importance of inclusion, differentiation, and responsive pedagogy, teachers are being called upon to refine their practice and ensure every pupil can thrive.
What is adaptive teaching?
Adaptive teaching refers to the deliberate adjustment of teaching methods, resources, and expectations to meet the varied needs of learners. Unlike traditional differentiation, which often involves creating separate tasks for different groups, adaptive teaching emphasises flexibility within whole-class teaching. It is about proactively planning for diversity of needs while also being responsive in the moment.
The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) highlights adaptive teaching as a key strategy in effective classroom practice. It encourages teachers to:
- anticipate barriers to learning and plan accordingly.
- use formative assessment to identify needs in real time.
- employ scaffolding and support strategies that can be gradually removed as learners gain independence.
- balance challenge and support, ensuring high expectations for all pupils.
Why Adaptive Teaching Matters Now
Our classrooms are increasingly diverse environments, with pupils presenting a wide range of abilities, backgrounds, and needs. This includes learners with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), pupils with English as an Additional Language (EAL), and those affected by social or emotional challenges.
Adaptive teaching aims to ensure that:
- equity is prioritised—every child has access to the curriculum.
- teachers feel confident in responding to unexpected challenges.
- schools can demonstrate inclusive practice in line with Ofsted expectations and the SEND Code of Practice.
Proactive and Reactive Approaches
Effective adaptive teaching involves both proactive planning and reactive adjustments:
- Proactive approaches include designing lessons with multiple entry points, using visual supports, pre-teaching vocabulary, approaches which support metacognition, and embedding opportunities for peer collaboration.
- Reactive approaches involve responding to pupil needs in the moment. This might include adjusting questioning, providing additional scaffolding, or rephrasing explanations.
Together, these approaches create a classroom culture where flexibility and responsiveness are the norm.
The role of subject leaders
For subject leaders, adaptive teaching is not just about classroom delivery. It is about embedding a culture of inclusive practice across the school and the curriculum. Leaders should aim to support colleagues in:
- developing shared strategies
- monitoring the impact of adaptive approaches
- ensuring consistency across year groups and subjects
This is particularly important in English, where literacy skills underpin success across the curriculum.
To support schools in embedding adaptive teaching, we are hosting the spring term English subject leader session with a focus on adaptive teaching on 22 January 2026, 1–4pm at The Linskill Centre.
This session will:
- Provide a collaborative space for English leads to share practice.
- Explore adaptive teaching in English, with a focus on proactive and reactive strategies.
- Enable SENDCOs and subject leaders to engage in context-specific discussions and planning.
- Support action planning and monitoring within schools.
By attending, you will:
- gain practical strategies to embed adaptive teaching in English
- strengthen your confidence in leading inclusive practice.
- build networks with other subject leaders and SENDCOs
- ensure your school is aligned with current best practice and policy expectations
The upcoming English subject leader session offers the perfect chance to deepen understanding, share expertise, and take practical steps towards embedding adaptive teaching across your school.
Would you like to attend this training session?
Book your place now and join colleagues in shaping inclusive, adaptive classrooms for the future.
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