.jpg?v=d7f1b62159b21f52fe14df30fdc0f34b)
Schoolchildren's interests 'still divided along gender lines'
Gender is still having a significant influence on the subjects and careers that schoolchildren are most likely to be interested in, according to a new survey.
Mintel's Lifestyles of Children and Teens UK 2017 Report has revealed that 49 per cent of boys aged between seven and 15 regard IT and computing among their favourite subjects, followed by 47 per cent who favour sport and PE, and 41 per cent who like maths. Among girls, these figures fall to 26 per cent, 30 per cent and 29 per cent, respectively.
By contrast, 43 per cent of girls say that art is one of their favourite subjects, followed by English with 32 per cent and music with 23 per cent. For boys, the respective percentages were only 19 per cent, 16 per cent and 12 per cent.
These gender-based divisions in academic preference appear to be reflected in longer-term perceptions of which careers are suitable. Some 44 per cent of children aged between seven and 15 say that being a plumber, builder or electrician is a job for boys, compared to just five per cent who believe this is a job for girls. Conversely, more children saw teaching as a job for females rather than males, by a margin of 19 per cent versus 16 per cent.
The findings underline the importance of schools making efforts to challenge gender-based stereotypes in order to ensure that both girls and boys are able to pursue any subject or career with an open mind.
Jack Duckett, senior consumer lifestyles analyst at Mintel, said: "While the UK has taken huge steps in terms of equality over the last 50 years, gender stereotypes remain apparent among today's children and teens, as shown by their continued belief that certain subjects and professions are more suited to one gender or the other."
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£500 - 700 per week
Location free text
North Tidworth
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£500 - £749 per week
Sector
KS2 - Year 3
Location
Wiltshire
Description
Inspiring Year 3 Teacher Wanted! Are you an ambitious teacher ready to take the next step in your career? We’re looking for a passionate, confident, and creative Year 3 Teacher to join a warm and wel
Reference
189225ab
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset PrimaryAuthor
Dorset PrimarySalary
£25 - 30 per hour
Location free text
Spalding
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
£30 per hour and above
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Spalding
Description
Logical. Academic. Passionate. Do you look at these words and feel like they describe you? Do you enjoy working with students, and setting targets to reach their full potential? Do you get a genuine t
Reference
JG-Spald-Maths
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North East TuitionAuthor
North East TuitionSalary
£150 - 220 per day
Location free text
Brent
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Citizenship
Location
Brent
Description
Are you a passionate, empathetic and forward-thinking teacher with a commitment to equipping young people for life beyond the classroom? A high-achieving secondary school in Brent is seeking a dynamic
Reference
PSHE 10825
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
West London Secondary & SENAuthor
West London Secondary & SENSalary
£25 - 30 per hour
Location free text
Bridlington
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
£30 per hour and above
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Bridlington
Description
Education demands a lot, whether you in the role as a learner or the educator. Commitment to changing minds, and sticking with students through the good and the bad is a task that not everyone is suit
Reference
Brid-JG-FQT
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North East TuitionAuthor
North East TuitionSalary
£120 - 160 per day
Location free text
Northampton
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Cover Supervisor
Location
Northampton
Description
Cover Supervisors – Northamptonshire Flexible, rewarding work in local secondary schoolsAre you looking to gain classroom experience, develop your skills, or take your first step into teaching? We’re
Reference
coversups
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£125 - 135 per day
Location free text
Salisbury
Job Type
Part Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
KS1 - Year 1
Location
Salisbury
Description
Qualified Primary Teacher Teaching Personnel are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Qualified Teacher to join a friendly primary school in Old Sarum to cover a mixed Year 1/2 class. This is a fantas
Reference
18092025ab
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset PrimaryAuthor
Dorset PrimarySalary
£120 - 160 per day
Location free text
Hertfordshire
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Cover Supervisor
Location
Hertfordshire
Description
Cover Supervisors – Hertfordshire Flexible, rewarding work in local secondary schoolsAre you looking to gain classroom experience, develop your skills, or take your first step into teaching? We’re re
Reference
CSHERT
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£120 - 150 per day
Location free text
County Durham
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Primary
Location
Durham
Description
Location: County Durham (DH9) Position Type: Full-time Contract Type: Temporary (with potential for long-term or permanent placement) Start Date: ASAP / Negotiable Salary: £120 – £150 per day (depende
Reference
ksodpp
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Tyne Tees PrimaryAuthor
Tyne Tees PrimarySalary
£100 - 110 per day
Location free text
Manchester City Centre
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Manchester
Description
SEN Teaching Assistant Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of students with Special Educational Needs (SEN)?We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate 1 to 1 SEN Teaching Assis
Reference
B2025SENTA12
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester South SecondaryAuthor
Manchester South SecondarySalary
£90 - 100 per day
Location free text
Old Trafford
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Greater Manchester
Description
EAL Teaching Assistant We are seeking an experienced and dedicated EAL Teaching Assistant to join the supportive and inclusive team at a client secondary school in Old Trafford, starting in November.T
Reference
B2025EALTA3
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester South SecondaryAuthor
Manchester South SecondaryRelated posts
.jpg)
Teaser
Tips & AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
Walking into a teaching interview can be nerve-wracking, even for experienced teachers. The secret? Preparation. Knowing what to expect, understanding the school, and thinking through your answer

Teaser
Tips & AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
Pay is always a big topic for teachers and school leaders, and with good reason. It affects career choices, retention, and how schools plan. With a 4% rise confirmed for the next academic term, 20

Teaser
Education NewsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
The start of a new academic year brings a mix of excitement and challenge. New timetables and faces are balanced with the realities of staffing, planning, and ensuring the school settles quickly i

Teaser
Tips & AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
Schools are under pressure. Behaviour issues are rising, pupil needs are more complex, and staff are stretched. In 2024, 18.4% of children in England were reported to have some form of special edu

Teaser
Tips & AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
Today’s classroom is a busy, complex, and emotionally charged environment. Educators need to teach, support, manage behaviour, and connect with learners who may be carrying far more than their sch

Teaser
Education NewsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
The future of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support in the UK is undergoing significant focus and reform. It’s a complicated landscape as the government considers tightening th

Teaser
Tips & AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
In December 2024, the government announced new specialist places in mainstream schools to better support pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Yet, staff shortages limit s

Teaser
Tips & AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
Recent statistics highlight gaps in SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) training and support for educators. The government wants more SEND pupils in mainstream schools. At the same t

Teaser
Tips & AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
In 2024, the National Audit Office (NAO) highlighted the crisis in the SEND system, noting limited progress in making mainstream schools more inclusive. Without further investment and changes, t

Teaser
Tips & AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
How to navigate SEND funding for 2025-26 As government funding for special education needs and disabilities (SEND) evolves, schools face critical challenges securing essential resources. Sch
Register with us
for work in schools across England & Wales
Register today
Recent job