Internal factors and gender differences in achievement

Internal factors are factors within schools and the education system. Factors within a school do contribute to gender differences in achievement, via: equal opportunities policies, positive role models, GCSE and coursework and, teacher attention.

• Equal Opportunities Policies. 

Teachers are much more aware of gender issues and teachers are more sensitive to avoid gender stereotyping. The belief that boys and girls are equally capable is now part of mainstream culture.

• Positive role models in schools. 

In recent years, there has been an increase in proportion of female headteachers. These women in positions of authority, act as role models for…