Girls smarter than boys

Girls were found to be ahead of boys in all categories under which they were examined, says a study.

According to statistics published by the Department of Education in London, by their first "foundation stage" year in school at the age of 5, girls are ahead of boys in all the categories under which they were examined, confirming the pattern that this continues through primary and secondary school and higher education.

The finding revealed that the greatest variation between the two was in "creative development" in which girls were able to express their emotions and ideas better. The girls were also far better at using their imagination for stories, music and dance.

The gap between girls and boys was narrowest when they demonstrated their understanding of the world around them.

Overall, the five-year-olds were found eager to learn, were sensitive to the needs and emotions of people around them and were keen to know about how things work.

However, the Department of Education said that the teachers who conducted the tests had received limited training and that the results may not be accurate.