The sex equality watchdog said that social class was the biggest factor affecting educational attainment. Understanding its interplay with gender and ethnicity was 'absolutely key' to bridging the divides between the 'haves' and the 'have nots' in schools. Although girls were significantly outperforming boys in English overall, disadvantaged girls trailed behind their wealthier male peers. Ethnicity and gender were major factors in the achievement gap: but social class was, in fact, the biggest factor determining success.
Source: Christine Skelton, Becky Francis and Yordanka Valkanova, Breaking Down the Stereotypes: Gender and achievement in schools, Working Paper 59, Equal Opportunities Commission (0161 833 9244)
Links: Working Paper | EOC press release
Date: 2007-Sep
A paper drew together a wide range of evidence on gender and education in England. It examined the extent of the 'gender gap', and discussed the role of gender in education alongside the role of other pupil characteristics, particularly social class and ethnicity. It considered why there were differences in boys? and girls? participation and achievement, and what strategies were effective in tackling boys? lower attainment levels.
Source: Gender and Education: The evidence on pupils in England, Topic Paper RTP01-07, Department for Education and Skills (0845 602 2260)
Links: Report
Date: 2007-Jun
A new book examined why South Asian women were entering university in larger numbers, and the impact of this on their lives.
Source: Paul Bagguley and Yasmin Hussain, The Role of Higher Education in Providing Opportunities for South Asian Women, Policy Press, available from Marston Book Services (01235 465500)
Links: Report | Findings | Summary | JRF press release
Date: 2007-Apr