All-boys’ school pupils likely to dismiss sexism

Boys in single-sex schools are more likely to dismiss sexism, a report has found.

Pupils educated at all-boys’ schools are also “significantly more likely” than peers at mixed-sex schools to express “strongly negative attitudes” towards learning about sexism, according to a survey of more than 1,500 secondary school students.

The research, commissioned by the National Education Union (NEU) and UK Feminista, a feminist pressure group, found that 37 per cent of girls at mixed-sex schools have been sexually harassed.

Kevin Courtney, the NEU joint secretary, said the study shows sexual harassment is “normalised” for young people.