Are girls being left behind in school? Experts are sounding the alarm
Summary
This article discusses concerns about girls' educational performance in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Although girls have generally outperformed boys in GCSE exams, recent data shows their pass rates are declining. Experts are urging attention to girls' well-being and academic performance, as factors like mental health and social media use may be impacting their results.Key Facts
- Girls are more likely than boys to pass their GCSEs, but the gap is narrowing as girls' pass rates decline and boys' rates increase slightly.
- Boys have recently outperformed girls in getting top marks at A-level exams.
- Experts, like Natalie Perera from the Education Policy Institute, suggest girls' declining performance may relate to mental health issues, sleep problems, and social media use.
- NHS data from 2023 indicates that more girls aged 17-19 in England have a "probable" mental health disorder compared to boys.
- The rate of persistent school absences (missing 10% or more of the school year) has increased, with girls now more likely to be absent than boys.
- An international study found girls lagging behind boys in maths and science more than in previous years.
- Emotional well-being and feelings of belonging can significantly impact academic performance, as discussed by educational experts.
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