Research has consistently suggested that girls perform better academically in single sex schools. However, the case for co-educational schooling has become ever more compelling in recent years. In order to prove that they still come out on top, girls’ schools have shifted their emphasis to focus not only on fostering academic excellence, but also providing an environment where young women can develop leadership skills, self-confidence, and a strong sense of identity without the social pressures that often accompany co-educational settings. Read on to find out why a girls’ school could be the right choice for your daughter.
Academic achievement
According to research, girls at single-sex schools consistently perform better academically than girls with similar backgrounds at co-educational schools. They also out-perform boys at all-boys schools.
This significant benefit can be attributed to tailored teaching methods that cater specifically to girls’ learning styles. Educators at all-girls’ schools are more attuned to the unique ways in which girls learn and can adjust their methods accordingly.
Plus, subjects traditionally dominated by boys, such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), are given special emphasis, encouraging more girls to pursue these areas.
Proudly all girls’, The Queen’s School in Chester repeatedly ranks highly in all national academic league tables. Many pupils go onto Russell Group universities, and it’s one of the leading schools regionally for academic performance.
Leadership and confidence
In all girls’ schools, every leadership role—from head girl to sports captain—is filled by a girl. In co-ed schools, boys often dominate these positions.
Helping young women to develop leadership skills and a strong sense of self-confidence, single-sex schools encourage girls to speak up, take initiative, and lead. These are crucial skills for future careers.
Without boys, the social pressures and stereotypes that can inhibit girls from stepping into leadership roles are eliminated. This helps young women to emerge as confident, assertive, and capable leaders.
Headmistress at The Queen’s School, Joanne Keville said: “At Queen’s, our pupils are encouraged to authentically express themselves, knowing their voices will be heard and valued. Whether it be as part of the Head Girls’ Team or Head of House, or indeed as chair in one of the School Parliament Committees – our girls are given every opportunity to develop and grow. In the classroom, the focus shifts from competition to collaboration, fostering sisterhood and solidarity among pupils. Girls feel empowered to take academic risks, ask questions, and challenge themselves, supported and celebrated for their achievements. As a result, they excel academically, as well as in their personal development.”
A supportive environment
All girls’ schools tend to focus on creating a supportive social environment. The teenage years can be tough for girls, and navigating the social dynamics of a mixed gender setting can add extra stress.
Less distracting than co-ed schools, girls in single-sex education can focus on their academic studies and personal development without trying to impress boys, or conforming to gender stereotypes.
This supportive atmosphere encourages girls to explore their interests freely and express themselves fully, contributing to their overall well-being and mental health.
At The Queen’s School, girls are surrounded by female role models – from peers to teachers. The School’s curriculum, enrichment clubs and extended learning opportunities are all designed with girls in mind, in order to inspire and engage.
Headmistress Joanne Keville continued: “Surrounded by supportive peers and mentors, girls at Queen’s flourish into self-assured young women, fearlessly pursuing their passions and dreams. For me, what’s amazing is the fact that, when in this environment, girls don’t have self-limiting beliefs and refreshingly don’t realise that there is a glass ceiling.”
Breaking down stereotypes
All girls’ schools are able to break down gender stereotypes by providing an environment where girls can excel without comparison to boys.
Dismantling the traditional notions of ‘boys’ subjects’ and ‘girls’ subjects’, all girls’ schools are able to encourage pupils to pursue careers such as engineering or computer science, without the pressure of gender biases.
At The Queen’s School, more than 50% of girls take a science at A-level. The School says: “We are seeing an increasing number of girls going on to study typically male-dominated subjects at university, such as computer science, physics, astronomy, maths and engineering.”
This early exposure to a broad range of opportunities helps to level the playing field and paves the way for greater gender equality in the workforce.
Headmistress Joanne Keville said: “By the very nature of our School, all leadership roles and positions of responsibility are occupied by girls at Queen’s. I recognise that true equality has yet to be achieved across society, and therefore, it is crucial to empower the young women and girls of today through high-quality education that enables them to create a more equitable world for future generations.”
Building lifelong friendships
Pupils at all girls’ schools often build life-long friendships, built on mutual support and shared experiences. These strong bonds can extend beyond the school years, helping girls to build a network of support and connection throughout their lives.
Friendships formed at all girls’ schools can be particularly empowering, as they are based on genuine understanding and shared aspirations.
Final thoughts
While co-educational schools undoubtedly offer their own benefits, the advantages of all girls’ schools are compelling. From proven academic achievement, to fostering leadership skills, and a supportive and stereotype-free environment, single-sex education provides a strong foundation for young women to build successful and fulfilling lives. As we strive for greater gender equality and empowerment, all girls’ schools continue to play an essential role in nurturing the potential of the next generation of women.
This is a sponsored post created in collaboration with The Queen’s School, an independent day school for girls aged 4–18 in Chester.
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