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The effect of grade retention on secondary school performance: Evidence from a natural experiment

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  • Sergio Parra-Cely
  • Bart H H Golsteyn
  • Maria Ferreira-Sequeda

Abstract

We study the effects of grade retention on secondary school performance using a change in legislation in Colombia. In 2010, the rule that allowed schools to retain a maximum of 5 percent of their students was abolished. We exploit variation in changes in schools’ retention rates across time in a difference-in-differences framework, and find that higher school retention rates improved performance on high-school exit tests scores. While gains in learning did not differ between STEM and non-STEM subjects, increased retention disproportionately benefited non-retained students, students from higher socioeconomic backgrounds, private schools, and schools operating under a full day shift.

Suggested Citation

  • Sergio Parra-Cely & Bart H H Golsteyn & Maria Ferreira-Sequeda, 2026. "The effect of grade retention on secondary school performance: Evidence from a natural experiment," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 21(3), pages 1-24, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0345322
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0345322
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hill, Andrew J., 2014. "The costs of failure: Negative externalities in high school course repetition," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 43(C), pages 91-105.
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