Your extensive coverage of Stephen Gorard’s excellent chapter in the Association of Teachers and Lecturers new publication Gender in Education 3 to 19 was most welcome (TES, January 21). But how ironic that your (male) journalist chose to focus on boys’ underachievement when, as the overwhelming majority of the 10 contributors to this book (eight of whom are women) point out, this issue is distracting from equally serious but hidden concerns about the achievements of girls.
Sure The TES would not wish to promote the idea that concern about girls’
achievements should remain hidden, merely because such concerns do not make a “good story”?
Sheila Dainton Education policy adviser Association of Teachers and Lecturers 7 Northumberland Street London WC2