As well as calling for research from inspectors on the impact of single-sex schools and classes, the minister has suggested that more male teachers could help develop a culture of learning among boys at an early age. The need for an early start to tackling underachievement among boys was echoed by head teachers' leader, David Hart. But the Shadow Education Secretary, Theresa May, attacked the government for the continuing underachievement of boys. This year's results have again shown that the academic gap between the genders is widening. The price of girls' exam success was also being paid in terms of stress and anxiety, said Kay Driver, general secretary of the Professional Association of Teachers.
Young people suffer from stress, anxiety and even illness as a result of exam pressures.