Boy’s reading skills must be tackled

The reading gap between boys and girls in England is widening but there is no official strategy to address it, a report says.

The Boys' Reading Commission took evidence from teachers, 226 schools and 21,000 young people in the UK . Last year, 80% of boys reached the expected level in reading at age 11compared with 88% of girls. In the early years of secondary school the gap widens further, with boys outstripped by girls in English by 12 percentage points at age 14. Last year, 59% of boys achieved an A*to C in English GCSE compared to 73% of girls. The findings also suggest girls are enjoying reading more than boys and that this difference has been intensifying in recent years

Commission Chairman, Gavin Barwell MP, said specific action to address the gender issue was required.

The commission also examined the influence of the home environment on reading ability. It cites earlier research which suggests parents do not support boys in their reading to the same extent as they support girls. This is supported up by National Literacy Trust research which found that boys are less likely to be given books as presents.

Schools Minister, Nick Gibb MP said: "Reading for pleasure is key to boosting a young person's life chances. As a government, improving reading standards in schools is central to all our education reforms.

The government said it was focusing on getting every child to read using phonics and reading for enjoyment.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-18644811