Gareth Southgate: Educational Approaches for Boys and Girls Should Differ

Gareth Southgate – Former England football manager Sir Gareth Southgate has called for a rethinking of how boys are taught in schools, arguing that their educational strategies should reflect their “inherent distinctions” from girls. In a recent interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he highlighted the growing challenges faced by young men, who often feel disconnected and struggle with issues like employment, identity, and mental well-being. Southgate emphasized that understanding these differences is key to unlocking the potential of boys in education and beyond.

Reimagining Education for Young Men

Southgate’s remarks come as part of a BBC documentary he co-produced, *Gareth Southgate: Changing the Game for Young Men*, set to air on Monday. The film explores the systemic barriers that hinder boys’ progress, particularly those who underperform academically. He suggested that educators might need to adopt a distinct approach when nurturing young men, contrasting it with the methods used for young women. “There’s a different way of thinking about how to engage boys,” he explained, underscoring the need for tailored educational strategies.

“I think anyone who has worked with either sex at a younger age knows there are some inherent distinctions,” Southgate said. “To get the most out of young people, it might require a slightly different approach when educating and developing young men, compared to how we do it for young women.”

His advocacy for change is rooted in the observation that boys often face a unique set of challenges, from societal expectations to the psychological toll of academic underachievement. Southgate pointed to a recent study by former Labour minister Alan Milburn, which revealed alarming trends in the number of young people not in education, employment, or training (Neets). According to the findings, over a million Neets exist in England, marking the highest level in more than 12 years. The pandemic has exacerbated this issue, with the number of men aged 16–24 classified as Neets increasing by 40%, compared to a 7% rise for women.

The Role of Role Models

Southgate has previously raised concerns about the lack of positive role models for boys, a theme he revisited during his BBC Richard Dimbleby Lecture last year. In that speech, he criticized online influencers who promote materialism and dominance as measures of success, noting how these portrayals can alienate young men. “They’re tricking young men into thinking success is defined by money or power,” he said, stressing the need for more relatable figures to guide boys through their formative years.

He also highlighted the compounding effects of poor academic performance, which often lead to behavioral issues and a diminished sense of self-worth. “When boys fail to meet expectations, it creates a cycle of setbacks,” Southgate explained. “This starts with a lack of communication from educators, which can leave them feeling lost and disconnected.” The documentary features three young men from Middlesbrough who exemplify these struggles, offering a personal lens into the broader crisis.

A Personal Story of Resilience

One of the documentary’s central figures is Taylor, a 20-year-old who has been unemployed for five months. After leaving a warehouse job, Taylor found it difficult to secure new employment, particularly due to a lack of feedback from employers. “I didn’t know why I wasn’t getting interviews,” he shared, a sentiment echoed in the Milburn report, which identifies poor communication as a significant barrier for young men seeking work. This uncertainty led Taylor to question his own value, with feelings of worthlessness pushing him toward alcohol and anger.

“Sometimes, I just thought, ‘I’m clearly not good enough, am I?'” Taylor recounted. “I wanted to go out, get drunk with my mates, and pretty much forget about everything.”

His story reflects the emotional toll of joblessness, which Southgate argues is often overlooked in discussions about education. “The absence of encouragement can be devastating,” he noted. “When boys don’t receive positive reinforcement, they can lose confidence entirely.” The former Three Lions defender praised Taylor’s ability to reevaluate his situation, urging him to keep believing in his own potential. “That kind of support is vital,” Southgate said, emphasizing the importance of mentorship in helping young men navigate their challenges.

Building a National Movement

Southgate believes that addressing these issues requires a collective effort, including the involvement of experienced men in teaching and mentoring. “There are a lot of people with experience who want to help,” he stated, advocating for a “nationwide initiative to create more mentors.” This approach, he argued, could provide the kind of guidance that many boys lack, fostering a culture of hope and resilience. “We need to tell a story of hope for the next generation,” Southgate added, highlighting the role of mentorship in shaping positive outcomes.

The documentary also explores how traditional educational models may not adequately support boys, particularly in developing their communication skills and self-esteem. Southgate stressed that improving outcomes for boys should not come at the expense of progress for girls. “There’s brilliant work being done to empower women,” he noted, “but we can’t ignore the particular challenges boys face. We have to think about both, side by side.”

Hope on the Pitch and Beyond

Looking beyond the classroom, Southgate tied the educational crisis to the broader context of English football. He pointed to the team he helped build, which has overcome numerous obstacles to reach the World Cup. “This group of players has faced so many hurdles to win,” he said. “It’s a sign that we can succeed if we support young men the right way.” His renewed passion for England football, he admitted, stems from the belief that progress is possible when systemic support is in place.

“I’ve become an England fan again,” Southgate remarked. “Winning knockout matches, penalty shootouts, and getting to finals—these are all steps toward winning a tournament. We will win at some point.”

Southgate’s vision for the future includes a shift in societal attitudes toward boys, ensuring they are given the tools to thrive in both education and life. He called for a reexamination of the pressures placed on young men, from early school years to adulthood. “We’ve been focusing too much on girls’ achievements,” he argued. “But we can’t forget that boys need their own path to success. It’s about addressing both challenges, not choosing between them.”

As the World Cup approaches, Southgate’s words resonate with a sense of optimism. The documentary serves as a reminder that the journey to success is not linear, and that with the right support, boys can overcome the barriers that have long held them back. By fostering a culture of mentorship and tailored education, he believes England can create a generation of confident, capable young men ready to face the world with renewed purpose.

Southgate’s call to action highlights the urgency of addressing the educational and mental health crisis affecting boys. His insights, drawn from both his managerial career and personal observations, underscore the need for a balanced approach that values the unique needs of both genders. “If we can teach boys differently,” he concluded, “we can help them find their place in society and build a brighter future for all.”