Children in mixed schools have more friends than those at single-sex schools, study says

Eva Osborne

Children who go to mixed primary schools have more friends than kids at single-sex schools, according to a new study by the School of Education at UCD.

The Children's School Lives report found girls' friendships are more likely to be closer, while boys are more likely to be concerned abut popularity.

The study, which looked at the impact of gender in school, also found that girls in all girls’ schools have the most gender equal views while boys in all boys’ schools have the least.

The sample of those used in the study aimed to reflect the population of primary schools nationally: 88 per cent are co-ed, six per cent are all-boys, and six per cent are all-girls schools.

The study found that gender influences children’s learner identities with respect to engagement, aspirations, attainment, and peer networks.

Girls are typically identified by children as being more engaged with learning, less disruptive in class, and more gentle in play activities than boys.

One girl in first class who was interviewed as part of the study, and who came from a rural, co-ed school, said: "Boys are a bit crazier and a bit more rough."

The interviewer responded: "Okay. And is this in the playground or in the classroom?"

"Playground and the classroom," the girl replied.

A boy in fourth class, also from a rural, co-ed school, admitted: "The boys will probably mostly get in trouble, because they'd be talking more in lessons."