Tots buck trend in learning

Pre-school boys outperforming UK counterparts

Pre-school aged boys in the Isle of Man are performing better than their UK counterparts - according to new research.

In the UK, an NSPCC study showed a distinct 'gender gap' - but initial analysis by the Island's Department of Education and Children reveals youngsters here buck that trend.

Boys between the ages of two and five are now overtaking girls in certain subjects, in contrast to the UK - where girls excel academically at every stage.  

A more comprehensive analysis of the data is expected at the end of the summer - before the new school year begins.

School improvement advisor Chrissy Callaghan says a "boy-friendly" curriculum is behind the change.