The news that teenage girls are opting out of classroom discussions because they hate the way the look should be combatted by providing girls with school environments that are more conducive to boosting their confidence, the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS) chief executive, David Hanson, has said.
The study, conducted by the University of the West of England, found that one in five girls holds back from answering questions or giving opinions at school because they dislike their appearance so much.
Hanson said the government report showed girls are, in some cases, playing truant because they lack self-esteem which is “deeply saddening”.
“There are certain environments and social circles where it is considered cool to be a fool, and the impression some girls get is that playing up to that notion is a way to get on in life,” said Hanson.
He added that this is not just a secondary school issue, and not even an education issue. “It is also affected by things like the huge quantities of perfectly air-brushed celebrities, the mass of attention given to the wives and girlfriends of footballers, and soaps where characters are celebrated for their ability to lurch from one drama to another.”
This can add up to the inference that intelligence in women is not necessary for success, Hanson said. “One of the reasons parents of pupils at IAPS make the sacrifices they do to send their daughters to our schools is to try to counteract this culture. They want to make sure their girls are given all the tools they need to be confident in life and a prep school education gives them the best possible start to gain real aspiration and success.
“Girls at our prep schools admire women who are high-performing teachers and are clearly attractive because they have achieved, are confident and engaging. These are the kind of role models we want for our children because they inspire the kind of self-esteem that comes from feeling that your contribution matters, rather than focusing on aesthetics.”
The ability to provide girls with this kind of experience is not something that is unique to prep schools, Hanson added, but he said it was simply something that is part of the rounded education they offer. Neither are prep schools, he emphasised, only a preserve of the wealthy.
“These are normal families with average incomes who believe that giving children the best possible start in life with a prep school education is the most important priority for them. Parents make enormous sacrifices to provide this for their children,” he said.
A version of this article was published in Attain magazine.
