Factors Influencing the Educational Performance of Males and Females in School and Their Initial Destinations After Leaving School

TLDR

The report investigates patterns of male and female educational participation and performance, initial post‑school destinations, key influencing factors, and the disadvantages that arise, with an emphasis on analysing which trends and differences matter and why. While gender was the major factor under consideration, the research brief also required an examination of the relative impact of other independent variables on participation, performance and post‑school destinations including geographic, demographic and socio‑economic factors. The study compiled and analyzed statistical data on school participation and performance, post‑school destinations (higher education, VET, labour force), reviewed literature, consulted experts, and integrated findings into the report. The report finds major gender differences in participation, performance and outcomes, but these differences do not automatically translate into disadvantage; performance disparities must be examined both between and within gender groups.

Abstract

This report set out to investigate the patterns of males' and females' educational participation and performance at school and their initial destinations after leaving school, the key influencing factors and the disadvantages that arise from them. While gender was the major factor under consideration, the research brief also required an examination of the relative impact of other independent variables on participation, performance and post-school destinations including geographic, demographic and socio-economic factors. The research comprised several inter-related elements: compilation and analysis of statistical data on participation and performance in schools and on patterns of participation in post-school destinations, including higher education, vocational education and training (VET) and the labour force; a review of the relevant research literature and production of an annotated bibliography; extensive consultations with experts and key figures in related fields with regard to interpretations of the data and the related research literature; and the preparation of this report drawing together the findings from the above elements. The report indicates that there are indeed major gender differences in educational participation, performance and outcomes. However, it also shows that these do not necessarily translate into disadvantage in straightforward ways. Research indicates that differences in performance need to be examined according to differences both between and within gender groups. The emphasis in the report is on analysing which trends and which differences matter and why.