Dr. Ruth Freeman:

The biggest issue to call out is the lack of availability of the broader STEM subjects in girls' schools. Only 68% of girls' schools offer a STEM subject beyond the core subjects of biology, chemistry, physics and maths, whereas it is 96% of boys' schools. We have a clear lack of opportunity there for a whole cohort of learners to experience those broader subjects. Teacher availability will be an issue as well but there are probably creative solutions we can come up with. We learned during Covid-19 that while technological or digital solutions to teaching are not perfect, perhaps it is better than not offering the subject at all. Certainly, that gender inequality would be a cause of concern.