As reported by BBC news, a new study shows boys in England pulling further ahead of girls in maths and science, sparking concerns over growing gender divides
A new international study has found that the gender gap in maths and science among students in England has widened significantly, with boys outperforming girls at a rate not seen in previous years.
The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) – conducted every four years and published by the Department for Education – shows that the gap between boys and girls in Year 5 and Year 9 has increased compared to previous reports.
In Year 9 maths, boys in England scored 26 points higher than girls – the largest gap recorded among all participating countries. In contrast, the difference was just two points in 2020.
A similar pattern emerged in science, where Year 9 boys were 14 points ahead of girls. This marks a significant shift from 2020, when girls actually outperformed boys by three points.
The study, based on data collected in 2023 by researchers at University College London (UCL), highlights concerns about gender disparities in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) education.
Schools minister Catherine McKinnell, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting STEM subjects, particularly among girls, to address the growing divide. “We will continue to encourage more girls into STEM to ensure they have equal opportunities in these crucial fields,” she said.
The findings raise questions about the factors contributing to the widening gap and what steps can be taken to support greater gender balance in maths and science education.
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