The latest figures from the State Examinations Commission reveal that girls have outperformed boys once again in this year’s Leaving Cert results.

This year’s results breakdown shows girls receiving higher grades in 50 of the 59 Leaving Cert papers sat at higher and ordinary level.

Girls were more likely to receive an A grade overall, with maths, applied maths, chemistry, Latin, Italian, Japanese and Arabic the only subjects at honours level that saw more As awarded to males.

Similar results were to be seen at ordinary level, with girls achieving higher grades in almost all subjects.

It is believed that the higher performance by girls may be down to the traditional nature of the leaving cert, favouring the diligent, focused approach to exam preparation taken by female students.

The uneven balance between males and females always give rise to concern and it is hoped that the planned Junior and Leaving Certificate reforms may help to reduce the problematic gender imbalance.

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