Effects of single-sex and coeducational schooling on the gender gap in educational achievement

Authors

Sheree J. Gibb, University of Otago
David M. Fergusson, University of Otago
L John Horwood, University of Otago

Abstract

This study examined the effects of single-sex and coeducational schooling on the gender gap in educational achievement to age 25. Data were drawn from the Christchurch Health and Development Study, a longitudinal study of a birth cohort of 1265 individuals born in 1977 in Christchurch, New Zealand. After adjustment for a series of covariates related to school choice, there were significant differences between single-sex and coeducational schools in the size and direction of the gender gap. At coeducational schools, there was a statistically significant gap favouring females, while at single-sex schools there was a non-significant gap favour- ing males. This pattern was apparent for educational achievement both at high school and in tertiary education. These results indicate that single-sex schooling may mitigate male disadvantages in educational achievement.

Recommended Citation

Gibb, Sheree J.; Fergusson, David M.; and Horwood, L John (2008) "Effects of single-sex and coeducational schooling on the gender gap in educational achievement," Australian Journal of Education: Vol. 52: Iss. 3, Article 7.
Available at: https://research.acer.edu.au/aje/vol52/iss3/7