Grade Retention Across Borders: A Cross-Country Analysis of the Role of Schools
New A-publication by Janneke Pepels, Barbara Belfi, Carla Haelermans et al., published in School Effectiveness and School Improvement (An International Journal of Research, Policy and Practice)
Abstract
At some schools, students are more likely to repeat a grade than at others. This isn’t just about how a student performs, but also about the school itself. That’s according to new research from Maastricht University and Hasselt University.
Among other things, the researchers found that students are less likely to repeat a grade at schools where teachers provide additional explanation or adapted assignments when students are struggling with the materials. Students are more likely to repeat a grade in schools with inadequate or limited educational resources.
Read the full article: Pepels, J., Belfi, B., Goos, M., & Haelermans, C. (2026). Grade Retention Across Borders: A Cross-Country Analysis of the Role of Schools. School Effectiveness and School Improvement, 1–26. https://doi.org/10.1080/09243453.2026.2658545