The personal, learning and thinking skills (PLTS)

 PLTS Skills document


Key Skills for Learners at FCC
  • INDEPENDENCE
  • PLANNING
  • REVIEWING
  • REASONING
  • QUESTIONING
  • IMAGINING
  • RISK TAKING
  • ADAPTING
  • LISTENING
  • MAKING LINKS
  • PERSEVERING
  • NOTICING
  • MANAGING DISTRACTIONS
  • COLLABORATING

The personal, learning and thinking skills (PLTS) provide a framework for describing the qualities and skills needed for success in learning and life.


The PLTS framework embraces: social and emotional aspects of learning, employability, responsible citizenship, enquiry skills and creativity, self-direction and independent study, reflection on learning (learning to learn and assessment for learning).


The framework comprises six groups of skills:

  • independent enquirers
  • creative thinkers
  • reflective learners
  • team workers
  • self-managers
  • effective participators.

These generic skills, together with the functional skills of English, mathematics and ICT, are essential to success in life, learning and work.


For each group of skills, a focus statement sums up the range of skills and qualities. This is accompanied by a set of outcome statements that are indicative of the skills, behaviours and personal qualities associated with each group.


Each group is distinctive and coherent. The groups are also interconnected and learners are likely to encounter skills from several groups in any one learning experience. For example, an independent enquirer sets goals for their research with clear success criteria (reflective learner) and organises their time and resources effectively to achieve these goals (self-manager). To develop independence, learners need to apply skills from all six groups in a wide range of contexts. Source: QCA



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