Why are Boys outperforming Girls in Maths & Science in England?

A widening gender gap in maths and science performance has emerged in England, according to a new report.

The international study, conducted every four years and published by the Department for Education, highlights a significant shift in achievement levels between boys and girls in Year 5 and Year 9.

Researchers at University College London (UCL) carried out the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), which uses data collected in 2023.

In Year 9 maths, boys in England scored 26 points higher than girls. In the previous 2020 report, the difference was just two points.

This increase marks the widest gap in any participating country.

The study also found a 14-point gap in Year 9 science, with boys outperforming girls. In the previous 2020 report, girls had scored three points higher than boys.

Jennie Golding, a co-author of the report from UCL’s Institute of Education, said confidence and a sense of belonging could be factors behind the trend.

However, she stressed that further research was needed to identify the causes.

Mary Richardson, another co-author, added:

“It is possible that some of the effects of Covid, learning loss and changes to learning environments are now revealing themselves.”

This was the first time TIMSS assessments were conducted fully digitally, which researchers suggested may have influenced results.

A similar gender gap in maths has emerged in other countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.

In England’s 2024 Year 6 Sats results, the gap was smaller. Girls outperformed boys in most subjects except maths, where boys were ahead by one percentage point.

At GCSE and A-level, boys tend to outperform girls in maths and science, though the difference is smaller than that seen in the latest TIMSS study.

The study also reported that more boys described themselves as “very confident” in maths than girls.

Tanya Tracey, chief executive of the charity Girls Are Investors, said many girls they support struggle with a fear of failure.

She said:

“Part of the job is knowing you won’t get it right all the time – that’s a surprise to many girls I think.”

“They always think they have to be perfect.”

Schools Minister Catherine McKinnell said the government will continue promoting science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects, “especially among girls”.

The government said it will review the curriculum and assessments to ensure all children build strong maths foundations.

The schools minister added that breaking the link between background and achievement is key to helping every child thrive.