Girls in England's single-sex schools have secured higher GCSE grades than those attending mixed schools, despite similar academic backgrounds and socio-economic profiles. A comprehensive analysis by FFT Datalab has found that girls in single-sex environments outperform not just their peers in all-boys schools but also achieve a 10% improvement in GCSE grades when compared to those from similar backgrounds.
While single-sex schools have long been associated with strong academic performance, this study provides new insight into the reasons behind the disparity. After adjusting for various background characteristics, including prior academic records and free school meal eligibility, researchers identified a persistent 'modest boost' in exam results for girls in single-sex schools. This translates to approximately a tenth of a grade improvement per subject at GCSE.
According to FFT's chief statistician, Dave Thomson, much of the disparity between single-sex and mixed schools diminishes when comparing similar pupils. However, the 'very slight difference' for girls in single-sex schools remains unexplained, leaving experts to speculate about potential causes.
Kat Pugh, headteacher of St Marylebone CofE school, suggests that an all-girls environment fosters a 'culture of achievement and a sorority', where girls feel empowered to celebrate academic success without inhibition. She hypothesises that girls in single-sex schools may be more adept at adopting successful learning habits from their peers.
Donna Stevens, chief executive of the Girls' Schools Association, points to research indicating that girls thrive in environments tailored to their needs, including curriculum choices and increased teacher interaction. She notes that boys often command more teacher time in mixed classrooms, leaving girls in single-sex settings to benefit from more direct attention.