Are single‑sex schools more beneficial than co‑educational schools?

The comparison between single-sex schools and co-educational schools stretches back centuries and reflects changing ideas about gender, learning, and socialization. Single-sex education refers to schools where boys and girls are taught separately, a model historically dominant in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, often tied to religious or cultural traditions. In contrast, co-education—boys and girls learning together—gained popularity in the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly in Western countries, as movements for gender equality and universal education expanded. Key terms in this debate include academic achievement, gender stereotypes, and social development. Research has explored whether separating students by gender reduces distractions and improves focus, or whether integrated classrooms better prepare students for diverse workplaces and social environments. Psychology adds another dimension, examining how adolescent identity and self-confidence are shaped by peer dynamics in either setting. The historical context also matters. In the past, single-sex schools often reflected unequal access, with boys receiving academic training while girls were directed toward domestic roles. Today, the conversation is less about exclusion and more about effectiveness—whether specialization in teaching methods for boys and girls benefits learning, or whether inclusivity and mixed settings provide stronger long-term outcomes.