Groupings — random pairs and groups maker for the classroom

What is Groupings?

Groupings is a free group and team generator for teachers — split your class into fair, balanced groups or pairs in seconds. Paste your class (or load a saved list), choose groups by size or by number, and it sorts pupils for you — randomly, or balanced by ability, with rules to keep certain pupils apart. It runs on the whiteboard with no pupil devices, and you can drag names to tweak and print the result. Just need to pick one pupil at random instead? Try Spin the Wheel.

How to make groups

1. Add your class — sign in to load a saved class, or just paste names (one per line).
2. Tap any pupil to mark them absent for today.
3. Choose groups by size (e.g. fours) or by number of groups (e.g. five teams), and how to balance them — random, mixed-ability or similar-ability.
4. Add any keep-apart or keep-together rules.
5. Create the groups, drag names to adjust, then print or display them.

Why teachers like it

• Free — just sign in and paste names to start.
• Balance groups by ability (mixed or similar), not just at random.
• Keep-apart and keep-together rules handle tricky pairings.
• Avoid repeats so pupils get fresh groups each session, plus optional roles (Leader, Scribe, Reporter…).
• No pupil devices — it all runs from the front of the room.

Use it for any class

Groupings works for any subject and any age from primary upwards — quick talk partners, project teams, mixed-ability tables, or fresh groups for a carousel of activities.

Groupings FAQ

Is Groupings free?

Yes — it's free. You can paste a class and make groups, or sign in to load your saved class lists instantly.

Can I make balanced or mixed-ability groups?

Yes. Tag each pupil with a level from 1 to 5, then choose mixed-ability (a spread in every group) or similar-ability (streamed) grouping.

Can I keep two pupils apart?

Yes — add keep-apart rules (and keep-together rules) and Groupings arranges the teams to honour them.

Can I avoid making the same groups every time?

Turn on Avoid repeats and Groupings remembers recent groupings for that class and steers away from the same pairings.

Can I group a class without an account?

Yes — just paste or type the names, one per line. No sign-in needed to make groups.

Is Groupings a team generator too?

Yes — it doubles as a random team generator for any setting: split a class, or any list of names, into fair, balanced teams.

Related apps

Groups sorted? Pick one pupil at random with Spin the Wheel, or arrange the whole room with the Seating Plan Maker.