How Schools Can Support Boys’ Success and Well-Being
Discussions on gender and education often focus on girls, but recent reports highlight a growing concern: boys are falling behind academically. A recent report by the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi) reveals that young men are consistently falling behind their female peers. Although this report looked at higher education, this trend is across all school years (UK Parliament). To address this, schools must foster a “boy-positive” learning environment—one that supports boys’ academic and emotional needs while ensuring all students thrive.
The Power of Positive Male Role Models
One promising solution HEPI recommends is increasing the number of male role models in schools. While research shows that teacher gender alone does not directly affect academic outcomes (Cho, 2012), male teachers play a key role in supporting boys’ psychological, social, and societal development. When boys see men actively engaged in education, they develop a more positive attitude toward learning (McGrath et al., 2019).
However, the number of male teachers is worryingly low. In the UK, one in three primary schools has no male teachers at all (BBC News), and only 35% of secondary school teachers are male (Daily Mail). Addressing this imbalance could improve boys’ engagement with education by providing relatable role models who can guide and mentor them effectively.
Fighting Back Against Toxic Masculinity
If you haven’t watched the TV show Adolescence, I suggest you do—it’s a powerful reminder of how social media shapes young boys’ perceptions. In our digital world, toxic masculinity spreads through online influencers and platforms. Figures from the “manosphere” promote harmful views that negatively impact young men’s mental health. The recent HEPI report highlights these extreme influences and their risks. Additionally, Sir Gareth Southgate has called out “manipulative and toxic influencers” for leading young men toward destructive behaviours (BBC News).
Instead, boys need positive role models who challenge these harmful narratives. Programs like Adolescence drive home this message by demonstrating how media influences young minds. Schools play a vital role in counteracting this by creating safe spaces for boys to explore healthy ideas about relationships, self-worth, and respect.
A key component of this approach is building emotional literacy. When boys learn to identify, understand, and express their emotions, they become better equipped to resist toxic influences and form healthier relationships. Byteaching critical thinking about online content and promoting strong, positive role models, schools can empower boys to communicate their feelings, build empathy, and manage stress constructively.
Addressing male underachievement in education is not about prioritising boys over girls or fostering competition between genders. Rather, it is about ensuring that all students receive the necessary support to succeed. A balanced education system should recognise and responds to the unique challenges faced by both boys and girls.
It’s Time to Act
Creating a “boy-positive” learning environment isn’t just an idea—it’s a necessity. By increasing positive male role models, encouraging emotional literacy, and challenging toxic masculinity, we can help boys succeed in school and in life.
By Danielle Chandler