This research by ImpactEd shows that girls are significantly more anxious than boys and reported poorer wellbeing scores. However, the research showed that is not related to learning - suggesting other influences such as social media may be to blame.
ImpactEd surveyed nearly 16,000 pupils about their current levels of anxiety and wellbeing. Female pupils reported substantially lower levels of wellbeing, and higher levels of anxiety, than male pupils. However, challenges with learning do not appear to be the main driver.
Wellbeing differences due to gender were more than twice as large as that associated with being Pupil Premium or SEND, with female pupils having wellbeing levels that were 8.3% lower than males, and anxiety levels 11% higher. This was not the case for learning measures, where results did not vary greatly by gender.
Compared to their peers, SEND or Pupil Premium eligible pupils scored between 2-5% lower on a variety of measures relating to both learning and emotional wellbeing.
Wellbeing differences due to gender were more than twice as large as those associated with being eligible for Pupil Premium or SEND. Female pupils had wellbeing levels that were 8.3% lower than males, and anxiety levels 11% higher. This was not the case for learning measures, where results did not vary greatly by gender.