An expert says differences in GCSE performance between boys and girls could have inherent causes, as new results show girls are set to outperform boys for a record 38th year. Alan Smithers, a professor of education at the University of Buckingham, points to long-term patterns in how students perform across subjects.
In Smithers’ view, while girls tend to do better overall, boys are more likely to remain ahead in mathematics or other maths-based subjects. He frames the trend as persistent over time, rather than the result of a single year’s policy or circumstances. The article focuses on the idea that any performance gap may reflect underlying differences, while still acknowledging that achievement can vary by subject area.
The outlet presents the discussion as part of an ongoing debate over the drivers of attainment gaps, contrasting the prospect of inherent differences with broader explanations. It also emphasizes the consistency of the pattern over multiple decades, using the 38-year run as the central indicator.
