Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Educational Outcomes for Boys

Wednesday 18 June 2025 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Questions addressed concerns about educational disparities between boys and girls.
  • The Secretary of State acknowledged the need to support boys and young men, particularly free school meals-eligible white British boys.
  • A Labour MP raised concerns about gender disparities in subject choices, prompting a commitment to review the curriculum and assessment.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Lincoln Jopp Con Spelthorne
Education
Context

Recent research by the Centre for Social Justice showed that at key stage 1, key stage 2, GCSEs, A-levels and T-levels, boys are underperforming girls. This discrepancy is affecting a generation of students.

Question

I am concerned about recent research showing that boys are underperforming girls across various educational stages. Given this situation, will the Secretary of State consider looking at whether boys might need to be taught differently from girls as part of her approach?

Answer from The Minister for Women and Equalities (Bridget Phillipson)

I am grateful for the hon. Gentleman’s interest in this area. Through the schools White Paper, we will consider all the ways we can better support boys and young men as one group. We are aware that performance among free school meals-eligible white British boys is particularly low.

Partly answered
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Q2 Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth
Women & Equalities
Context

The logic behind having a Women’s Minister was the idea that women present unique challenges in society. By similar reasoning, men and boys may also have distinct issues such as higher suicide rates and lower educational attainment.

Question

By the same logic that led to the establishment of a Women's Minister, is it time for a Minister dedicated to addressing specific problems facing men and boys, including health outcomes, unemployment, and education?

Answer from The Minister for Women and Equalities (Bridget Phillipson)

The hon. Gentleman raises important areas of concern including health outcomes, suicide rates, educational attainment and the need to better support boys, young men and men throughout their lives. However, ministerial appointments are a matter for the Prime Minister.

Not addressed: Specific appointment of a Minister for Men and Boys

How: Referencing Another Party'S Decision

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Q3 Josh Simons Lab Makerfield
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Billy Boston, a black rugby player from Wales, was never selected for national teams despite his talent. He found acceptance in the northern sport of rugby league where he excelled. The Wigan Warriors women's team recently won the Challenge Cup.

Question

Will the Secretary of State join me and millions across the north in celebrating rugby league as a sport that has always judged people by character, not race or class, and in congratulating Billy Boston on becoming Sir Billy Boston?

Answer from The Minister for Women and Equalities (Bridget Phillipson)

I join my hon. Friend in celebrating the achievements of Wigan Warriors women’s team, recognising that rugby league has a history of inclusivity and opportunity regardless of race or background.

Answered
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Q4 Jonathan Brash Lab Hartlepool
Education
Context

As a former A-level teacher, the MP is concerned about disparities in subject choice between boys and girls. For instance, physics and maths classes are largely composed of boys while English literature and psychology are dominated by girls.

Question

Does the Secretary of State share my concern that different subjects attract vastly different numbers of boys versus girls? Is there any plan to address this disparity?

Answer from The Minister for Women and Equalities (Bridget Phillipson)

My hon. Friend’s expertise is noted; we will consider these issues through the schools White Paper later this autumn. The curriculum and assessment review under way aims at ensuring a broad and rich curriculum, with poverty being identified as a key barrier.

Partly answered
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