Selection and league tables

Marketisation

The process that creates a competitive climate in education.

Attractive students

Girls are seen as more desirable by schools because they achieve better exam results than boys.

Jackson (1998)

Research indicating that league tables have improved opportunities for girls.

Self-fulfilling prophecy

A situation where high-achieving girls are more likely to be recruited by good schools, leading to better performance.

Slee (1998)

Research showing that boys are less attractive to schools due to behavioral difficulties.

Liability students

Boys are categorized as such because they are seen as obstacles to schools improving their league table positions.

Exclusion rates

Boys are four times more likely to be excluded from schools, affecting their desirability.

Rough tough image

A negative perception that boys give schools, which deters high-achieving girls from applying.