Review of recent research on the achievements of girls in single-sex schools

Concerns over gender-related differences in achievement within the education system, particularly the perceived under-achievement of boys, have generated debate since the early 1980s.

This review of research on girls' achievement includes the debate about single-sex versus mixed-sex schooling, the social and academic environments of single-sex schools and their effect on girls' performance, and the setting up of single-sex classes in mixed-sex schools to counteract gender-related differences in performance.

The authors show that the performance patterns of girls and boys are changing, with new complexities replacing the traditional stereotypes.

The main findings of this research are highlighted to provide the basis for informed debate on girls' achievement in single-sex schools.