UK schools are in danger of failing to meet gender equality targets, according to Unesco. The UN wants an equal number of boys and girls in schools by 2015. But girls’ enrolment is outstripping boys’ in many developed countries, including the UK, Denmark and New Zealand.
“Traditionally it has been the reverse,” said Koichiro Matsuura, Unesco director-general. “But once barriers to girls are eradicated, it seems they are more conscious of the need for an education and more eager to attend.”