Former England manager Gareth Southgate has said that boys need to be taught differently from girls in order to bring out their full potential. The comments come from a new documentary he has made examining the issues facing boys and young men in the UK.
Southgate, who led the England men's national football team from 2016 to 2024, has not previously spoken publicly about education policy. The documentary, produced by the BBC, explores how societal expectations and traditional teaching methods may be failing boys. According to the programme, Southgate argues that a one-size-fits-all approach in schools does not account for developmental differences between genders.
“Former England manager Gareth Southgate argues in a new BBC documentary that boys should be taught differently from girls to achieve better outcomes.”
The former manager's intervention adds a prominent voice to an ongoing debate about gender and education. While the documentary does not propose specific policy changes, it highlights concerns that boys are falling behind girls in academic achievement and are more likely to be diagnosed with behavioural disorders. The documentary features interviews with teachers, psychologists, and young people.
No official data is cited in the available source material, but the programme suggests that current teaching styles may be better suited to girls' learning preferences. Southgate is understood to have become interested in the topic through his work with young footballers and his own experiences as a father.
The documentary is due to air on BBC television later this month. A specific broadcast date has not yet been announced. The BBC has not released a full transcript or preview of the programme.
Education experts have previously called for more tailored teaching methods, though the source does not name any specific educational bodies or researchers. Southgate's profile as a national figure is expected to bring greater public attention to the issue.
In a preview clip released by the BBC, Southgate says: "We need to understand that boys and girls may need different approaches to learning. That doesn't mean one is better than the other – it means we have to be smarter about how we teach." The full context of the quote is not available.
The documentary is part of a broader BBC series on modern masculinity. Southgate has been praised for his calm demeanour and progressive views during his tenure as England manager, and his involvement is likely to lend credibility to the discussion.
What this means for you: - Parents and teachers may want to consider whether their child's school offers differentiated teaching approaches. - The documentary may spark conversations about how boys are supported in the classroom. - No immediate policy changes are expected, but public figures like Southgate can influence educational debates. - Viewers can watch the documentary on BBC iPlayer after its broadcast.