Single-sex schools: the pros and cons

There has been a lot of research into whether children perform better in single-sex schools, but the results are inconclusive. A 2004 study, for example, found that boys’ outcomes didn’t differ significantly between single-sex and mixed schools, although girls achieved better in girls-only schools. However, other studies have claimed that girls aren’t held back by attending co-ed schools.

Single-sex schools often excel in terms of academic results, but as the majority of these schools are either independent or grammar schools, it’s difficult to pinpoint whether the improved outcomes are due to the sexes being separated, or the fact that many select pupils based on ability.

What’s clear is that girls are more likely to take traditionally ‘male’ subjects if they go to a single-sex school. ‘Girls at secondary school can be very sensitive to how girls and boys “should” behave, which impacts their choices,’ Caroline explains. ‘They’re more likely to take subjects like maths and sciences in a girls-only environment – they’re more confident about taking risks if they aren’t around boys.’

James agrees. ‘The opportunity for boys to belittle girls’ interest in technology and tell them they can’t do it has been removed,’ he says.

However, boys may not benefit in the same way: research has shown that they’re even less likely to take typically ‘female’ subjects like foreign languages and food technology in boys-only schools.

One clear advantage of single-sex schooling for both boys and girls occurs on the sports field. A recent study found that girls are significantly less likely to be involved in sports than boys at secondary school level, and part of the reason for this is body consciousness.

‘They might be reluctant to do a sports club at lunchtime if they’re going to get pink and sweaty and then have to sit in the classroom with boys in the afternoon,’ says Caroline. ‘In a single-sex environment, we can also offer sports that may be more appealing to girls, like dance, Zumba and yoga.’

James explains that boys benefit too. ‘When you have segregated sports, you can focus on coaching boys and girls in team sports like rugby, football, cricket, athletics and hockey, starting at a younger age,’ he says. ‘As a result, these children develop skills earlier and often become very competent sportspeople.’

Critics of single-sex education often claim that young people are socially disadvantaged if they don’t mingle with the opposite sex at school. However, Caroline points out that the majority of single-sex schools provide opportunities to mix.

‘Single-sex schools usually have close links with schools that cater for the opposite sex to give pupils opportunities to socialise, for example through joint events like debating, orchestra, choirs and drama,’ she explains. ‘If a school didn’t provide these opportunities to interact, parents would need to make more of an effort outside school, but even single-sex boarding schools put a lot of effort into helping boys and girls socialise together.’

Nevertheless, several studies have reported that boys and girls who attend co-ed schools are more satisfied with their education, seeing it as a more ‘natural’ environment that helps their relationships with the opposite sex.

James agrees that there comes a point where most children fare better in a co-ed environment. ‘If it weren’t for public exams in Year 11, I would bring girls and boys together for Year 10 and above,’ he says. ‘Most young people of this age actively want to be educated together.’