Past studies have suggested that girls in single sex education have a higher earning potential than those who attend co-educational schools, although the difference might be small in some cases. Burgess Hill Girls School has explored why this anomaly exists and shared their view on why this disparity may exist.
“As unemployment in the UK continues at a high level, we felt it was important to explore the ways in which our school’s environment can help give our students the best chance for the future” said Anne Pithie, Director of Marketing & Communications at Burgess Hill Girls School.
A 2011 study from University College London (Sullivan, 2011) showed that women’s wages had a 5% premium when they had attended all-girls schools compared to those who attended co-ed institutions.
In the study, this was attributed to the higher achievement rates of single-sex educated students at the age of 16. While Anne agrees that this is a factor, she discussed additional factors that may contribute.
“The study shows a valuable difference in wages, but the cohort studied is from 1953, and the employment landscape is somewhat different for girls entering the labour market now
“As STEM fields become ever more important to the UK’s future, the higher uptake of subjects like Biology, Physics, and Computer Sciences in all-girls schools could have a significant effect on girls' ability to enter into high-paying fields where the competition for positions is fierce.”
A report from the Girls School Association (GSA) using DFE data found that in 2023, girls in single-sex environments were 43% more likely to study biology, 85% more likely to study chemistry, and 87% more likely to study maths at A-level than girls in co-ed schools.
Additionally, girls from single-sex schools were found to have an average grade of B+ at A-level, while students from co-educational schools had an average of C+.
“The GSA report clearly shows the difference that a single-sex environment can make to the ways in which girls view their potential opportunities. STEM subjects have traditionally been viewed as male occupations, and we’re increasingly seeing women making progress in those fields.
“Our school environment allows the girls to focus on the things they want to study, without the traditional societal expectations that can be found in co-ed schools” said Anne.
While there are advantages to attainment and heightened choice in subjects, Anne was also keen to address why these things may be important to the wider labour market.
“In February, the TUC found that the gender pay gap in the UK means that on average, women work for 48 days of the year without pay. This situation is present across all industries, and while great strides have been made to balance pay between men and women, there is still more work to be done until pay is equitable.”
“One of the ways in which the situation can be addressed is for more women to enter fields where the disparity is higher, and achieve leadership positions that allow them to redress that balance.”
“Our school’s aim is to empower our students, so that they can achieve the aims they set for themselves. Whether they’re entering STEM fields, the arts or a corporate environment, we want our girls to go forward knowing their worth, and with the ability to fulfil their potential.”
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