Every child arrives at school with their own interests, abilities and way of seeing the world. At The English Montessori School (TEMS), we believe that education should honour this individuality. Personalised learning is at the core of our Montessori approach, ensuring that each child is supported, challenged and inspired in a way that is meaningful to them.

Rather than expecting children to fit into a single model of learning, we adapt our teaching to meet each child where they are. Through careful observation, reflection and a thoughtfully prepared environment, personalised learning at TEMS allows children to grow academically, socially and emotionally at their own pace.

Personalised learning in the Infants

In the Pre-Nursery and Infants, based at Voyager House and Infants at Discovery House, personalised learning begins with choice and independence. Children are encouraged to select activities that reflect their interests and developmental readiness, helping them build motivation and confidence from the very start of their learning journey.

Children may choose to work individually or in small pairs, allowing them to develop:

  • Concentration.
  • Cooperation.
  • Early communication skills.

This flexible approach recognises that some children thrive when working independently, while others learn best through shared exploration and discussion.

Teachers play a vital role as guides in the classroom. Through close observation, they gain a deep understanding of each child’s needs and learning style. They introduce new materials, offer gentle guidance and extend learning at just the right moment, ensuring children are supported without interrupting their natural curiosity. This balance of freedom and structure lies at the heart of the Montessori approach and helps children develop a strong sense of independence and self-belief.

Building confidence and curiosity in the Juniors

As children move into Juniors, personalised learning continues to evolve alongside their growing independence. At this stage, children begin to engage in longer-term projects, allowing them to explore topics in greater depth and make meaningful connections across their learning.

Writing skills are developed at each child’s own pace through the Talk for Writing approach, which supports children in building confidence as communicators. By focusing on oral storytelling before writing, children are able to internalise language structures and express their ideas more clearly and creatively. This ensures that writing develops naturally and confidently, rather than being rushed or forced.

The design of the Junior classrooms also plays a key role in supporting personalised learning. Carefully planned indoor and outdoor learning spaces allow children to choose environments that best suit their activity and learning style.

Whether working quietly indoors or engaging in hands-on exploration outside, children are empowered to take ownership of how and where they learn. This flexibility encourages independence, responsibility and a deeper engagement with learning.

Reflection and ownership in the Senior years

In Seniors and Pre-University, where students can choose from A-Levels, IBDP, or the Spanish Bachillerato, personalised learning becomes increasingly collaborative and reflective. Students are encouraged to take an active role in shaping their learning through target setting and self-reflection.

With guidance from their teachers, they learn to:

  • Identify their strengths.
  • Recognise areas for development.
  • Set realistic, meaningful goals.

Throughout the year, structured reflection points allow both students and teachers to review progress and plan next steps.

Teachers regularly check in with students during lessons, asking thoughtful questions, offering feedback and supporting them as they work through challenges. These ongoing conversations help students develop resilience, critical thinking and a clear understanding of their own learning journey.

By involving students in this reflective process, personalised learning supports not only academic achievement but also essential life skills such as self-awareness, responsibility

A shared approach to personalised learning

At TEMS, personalised learning is most effective when it is supported by a strong partnership between school and home. We work closely with parents, sharing observations and insights so that children receive consistent support in all areas of their development. This sense of community ensures that each child feels understood, valued and encouraged.

By combining the Montessori approach with careful observation, reflection and thoughtfully designed learning environments, personalised learning at TEMS allows every child to thrive. Our aim is not simply academic success, but to nurture confident, curious and capable learners who feel empowered to take ownership of their learning – both now and in the future.