Get Pro

Retention (grade)

Making a student repeat a grade; also called holding back. Rare in UK state schools.

Used in
United States
Topic
Policy and law

Being checked against official sources. This definition is written in our own words; always check the official guidance for your country.

Classfern Pro: report writer, Ask Fern, forum and jobs – no ads. What's in Pro Join Classfern Pro

Learn how – Glossary: watch the 1-minute video · print (PDF)

Social promotion United States
Moving a student to the next grade with their age group even though they have not met the standards.

More terms: Policy and law

Open enrollment · Perkins V · Redshirting · School choice · School starting age · School zone

More terms starting with R · Education glossary A–Z · Get a TIP for your class

Definitions are written by Classfern in our own words for teachers in the UK and the US. They are short explanations, not legal or official definitions: always check the official guidance for your country, nation or state. Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government department, inspectorate or exam board named here.