Most schools in the UK are mixed, but there have been several studies showing that both sexes perform better when in single sex schools. This is especially the case in the secondary school age group, with children at separate boys schools or girls schools doing better at GCSE or A level exams than those at mixed schools.
The reasons for the children at single sex schools outperforming those at mixed are not completely understood, but it is thought to be linked to the fact that in a single sex school there is no need to try to impress members of the opposite sex, which can be a distraction from learning. It also means that members of the teaching staff can alter their teaching style as girls and boys learn differently. Another benefit is that girls are not put off doing subjects that are traditionally seen as masculine, such as physics or maths and boys are happier to study subjects associated with girls such as modern languages or art. Pilot schemes are underway in some schools where children are split into single sex classes for teaching but come together for assemblies, break times and out of school activities.
