Educating Girls

Girls from girls’ schools outperform those in co-educational schools in science, mathematics, and literacy, according to an analysis of the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment results for New Zealand and Australia.*

A study of more than 5,900 Year 9 students found that girls at girls’ schools perform better in maths and science than their peers in co-educational schools.**

At St Margaret’s College, girls achieve some of the highest academic results in New Zealand and internationally, gaining entry to leading universities, both at home and overseas. Teaching and learning models at St Margaret’s are designed specifically for how girls learn best, with positive relationships between teachers and students at the centre of this.

*International Coalition of Girls’ Schools
**Smith,A., & Evans, T., 2024.

Girls from girls’ schools are more confident and have greater emotional control than those in co-educational schools. This helps them manage stress, pressure, and challenges better, according to a UK study of nearly 3,000 students.*

At St Margaret’s, all student leadership positions are held by girls, who provide strong role models throughout the College. Our learning programme includes outdoor education, service to others, and over 80 co-curricular activities, helping girls build self-belief and courage.

*AQR International’s ‘mental toughness’ research, 2021

Participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects is significantly higher, and absenteeism from STEM lessons is significantly lower among girls attending an all-girls school.*

In 2023, a third of St Margaret’s graduates chose to study a STEM subject at university. Our students receive individual career counselling and can draw on the mentorship of hundreds of St Margaret’s alumnae working in the STEM sector.

*Panizzon, et al., 2018

Graduates of girls’ schools are more likely to enter industries such as engineering and construction than those from co-educational schools. At the University of Canterbury, one of New Zealand’s leading universities, girls from girls’ schools are twice as likely to enrol in engineering than those from a co-ed school.*

At St Margaret’s, our career programme offers regular opportunities to participate in university experiences and holiday programmes, and offers workshops for applying to university and for scholarships. Our alumnae regularly return to the College to speak to current students about their careers in a range of industries, including financial services, medicine, engineering and computer science.

*Docherty et al. (2018)

Graduates of girls’ schools are more likely to be involved in volunteering, community activities, and causes such as environmental protection and social justice.*

At St Margaret’s, making a positive difference is central to our vision and values. Our girls contribute to their communities in a range of ways, including through our College charity, Educating Girls Globally, established to increase the standard of, and access to, girls’ education globally.

*Riggers-Piehl, Lim & King, 2018

More girls from single-sex schools participate in sports than those from co-ed schools, which contributes to their improved well-being and confidence and provides increased opportunities for friendships.*

At St Margaret’s, over 90% of our girls participate in sport, choosing from more than 30 different options. Girls are encouraged to be active, whether performing at the highest national and international levels or just having fun playing sport with their friends.

*Mission Australia, 2020

Girls from girls’ schools are more likely to have a positive body image. A Korean study found that girls at single-sex schools are less likely to engage in unhealthy weight-control behaviours like fasting or dieting compared to those in co-ed schools.*

At St Margaret’s, we offer programmes from our Junior School upwards that address body image, self-esteem and media literacy. Our all-girls environment also provides a safe space where students can express themselves without fear of judgment while pursuing their passions in academics, sports, arts, and leadership builds a sense of accomplishment and self-worth.

*Kim et al., 2018

Girls at single-sex schools report experiencing less bullying and are not exposed to the same levels of sexism or harassment that can be found in co-ed schools. A US study reported that 97% of girls at single- sex schools feel safe at school.*

At St Margaret’s, we equip students with the mental and physical skills, knowledge and confidence to tackle bias and prejudice. Our multi-layered pastoral care programme and curriculum are designed to support girls at every stage of their growth into empathetic, confident and connected global citizens.

*Holmgren, 2014

Girls from girls’ schools feel more supported by their school community than those at co-ed schools. Studies show that 95% of students at girls’ schools feel supported by their teachers and 90% by their peers, compared to 84% and 73% in co-ed schools.*

At St Margaret’s, our girls are part of an extensive community of 850 students and over 200 staff. There is a team of people for each girl to form a connection with, whether their tutor, who has a daily overview of their wellbeing, their Dean, class teachers, our International Student Manager, or boarding staff.

New students are assigned a buddy to help them adjust, and they form connections through their tutor groups, in boarding, and through co-curricular activities.
Later, they join a global network of more than 11,000 alumnae, many of whom maintain close ties to the College.

*Holmgren, 2014