Girls in Sport: How UK Schools Are Levelling the Playing Field

Over the past few years, there's been increasing attention on encouraging girls to participate in sport, highlighting the obstacles they face as well as the huge advantages that sport can bring them. Despite steps toward gender equality, many barriers still stop girls from fully joining in sport - both within school and beyond the classroom.

We explore the challenges that girls face in sport, look at why their participation matters, and examine how UK schools are pushing for important changes to encourage girls to play both individual and team sport.

What are the challenges faced by girls in sport?

There’s a gender gap in sports participation among young people, with girls being less likely to engage in sport compared to boys. 

The sad fact is that two-thirds of girls at school will quit sport during puberty. Boys (51%) remain more likely to be physically active than girls (44%), according to Sport England’s Active Lives Children and Young People survey 2022-23.

A Women in Sport survey of 4,000 11-18 year olds in the UK found that 37% of girls only participate in sports and physical activities during school PE classes, and are less likely than boys to take part in after-school or community sport clubs. 

So why are girls turning away from sport? 

Social pressures, gender stereotypes, body confidence issues and a lack of confidence are just some of the key reasons that girls can steer clear of sport. They might feel pressured by society's expectations about what activities are suitable for them.

Feeling self-conscious about their bodies, which is common during the teenage years, can make them worry about being judged in sport. Plus, some girls might doubt themselves because they haven't had much experience or they face barriers because of their gender.

As Rory McCann, Director of Sport at Bryanston School (an all-through co-ed day and boarding school in Dorset) explains, these challenges extend beyond playing sport in school – they encompass the entire sports landscape.

“We're talking about issues beyond just playing sport. There are obvious disparities in opportunities, perceptions of certain sports as 'boys' or 'girls' sports, and harmful stereotypes. Progress is being made, but these challenges persist, particularly in some sports. 

“Peer pressure is also significant, especially regarding how girls balance sport and academics, often with more thoughtfulness than boys. Additionally, the physiological changes girls undergo, including hormonal changes and menstruation, impact their participation. 

“While these challenges aren't new, the heightened awareness and media coverage in recent years are driving change. We're seeing shifts in women's sport internationally, signalling a growing acknowledgment of these longstanding barriers and a commitment to addressing them."

Why is sport important for girls?

Playing sport has countless benefits for girls, from improved cardiovascular health, enhanced self-esteem, and reduced stress levels to improving academic performance and lifelong wellbeing.

Engaging in sport empowers girls by building leadership, teamwork, and resilience skills; through sport girls can gain the confidence to tackle obstacles both in physical activities and in life. A positive school experience with sport can shape a girl's future relationship with physical activity, encouraging them to lead active lives, while a negative experience can deter them from it.

Commenting on the team sport gender gap between girls and boys in the UK, Women in Sport CEO Stephanie Hilborne has said: 

“Sport is not only vital for physical and mental wellbeing but is joyful and rewarding, building resilience and skills in leadership and teamwork. It is fantastic that more girls are playing football, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the fabulous Lionesses, but the gender gap in team sport as a whole has not shifted and remains deeply entrenched.  

“Mental health services are at breaking point, yet sport could be a powerful preventative measure against anxiety-related illnesses like self-harm which are blighting girls’ lives. It is not inevitable that girls drop out of sport. Rather, society makes it impossible for the majority of girls to feel free and fulfilled through sport.  

As Beth Rodford, Double Olympian and Assistant Director of Sport at Bryanston highlights, participation in sports is not merely about physical activity. It can contribute to girls' lifelong wellbeing too.

“While we certainly value competitiveness in our students, our primary concern is their overall wellbeing. We aim to cultivate not just competitive individuals, but also individuals who are physically fit, mentally healthy, and happy.

"This holistic approach underscores our commitment to nurturing students who are well-rounded and equipped to excel both academically and in life.”

As exam season approaches, Beth stresses the importance of integrating physical activity into girls' routines, particularly during stressful periods. 

“As we approach exam season, the stress levels among both boys and girls understandably rise. Many are focused on their studies, and working hard for success in the upcoming exams. However, it's important to remind them that taking breaks for physical activity can be just as beneficial for their academic performance.

“Encouraging students to take a brief half-hour break to engage in activities like playing with a ball or hitting the gym for 40 minutes can have significant positive effects. Physical exercise releases endorphins, those feelgood hormones that boost mood and alleviate stress, ultimately boosting their concentration and productivity when they go back to their studies.”

How can schools promote girls' participation in sports?

Too many girls are disengaging from sport and exercise in their teens, a much higher number compared to boys – and simply encouraging girls to play sport isn’t enough.

Schools need to play a pivotal role in fostering girls' engagement in sports both within and beyond the school environment. Schools in both the state and independent sectors are taking steps to level the playing field.

Helped by top female sporting role models and the remarkable triumph of the England Women's team at the Euro 22 tournament, there has been a noticeable increase in girls’ football.

Beth says:

“With more female athletes showcased as role models, young girls are realising the possibilities available to them. Unlike in the past, there are now numerous girls' football clubs. Schools are embracing girls' sports more, including mixed teams, and promoting equal opportunities for both genders in team sports."

The Football Association's initiative, #PlayLikeAGirl, is a groundbreaking campaign that advocates for the inclusion of football in the school curriculum and encourages girls to engage in the sport during break times, after-school activities, and through local clubs. 

Mount Kelly school runs a Girls’ Performance Football Programme for 16-18 year olds in partnership with the Chelsea FC Foundation; Leighton Park School has partnered with the Her Game Too charity to encourage participation in girls’ football; and Rossall School has partnered with Manchester City Football Club to run an elite football programme for girls and boys.

Beyond football, girls' sport is changing in independent schools across the UK. Schools are introducing expert coaching, extra technical and tactical lessons, strength and conditioning programmes, and more girls’ teams for sports such as cricket and rugby.

In one example, Millfield in Somerset has launched a Girls In Sport programme, tackling issues such as puberty, menstruation, and concussion awareness. Millfield's sports coaches have had specialist training to support female athletes better, including adjusting sessions based on menstrual cycles. Additionally,  the school has swapped girls’ white PE shorts and skirts for blue ones in football, rugby, and hockey.

Bryanston School in Dorset is at the forefront of promoting change in girls' sports. It recently hosted the Powerhouse Pupil: School Sport Summit 2024 in partnership with the Powerhouse Project, which is run by twin sisters and sports broadcasters Mollie and Rosie Kmita.

Over 300 young women from state and independent schools across the south and west of England attended the event, participating in presentations and masterclasses led by sports industry leaders.

Commenting on the summit, Rory McCann, Director of Sport at Bryanston, said:

“It's now a pivotal time for women in sport and it’s important to show the next generation of players, coaches and organisers that they now have excellent role models and a growing and supportive community to help them follow their dreams and fulfil their career aspirations. Such targeted support simply wasn’t around in the past.”

The Powerhouse Summit is part of a much broader commitment to girls' sports at Bryanston.

We spoke to Bryanston’s Director of Sport Rory McCann and Assistant Director of Sport (and former GB rower and double Olympian) Beth Rodford to find out more about the school’s pioneering efforts to breaking down barriers to sport for girls.

Next: How is Bryanston promoting girls in sport?