"A "boy-positive" learning environment needs to be fostered in schools and a dedicated Minister for Men appointed to address gender disparities in education" says a report by the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi)

"argues that a dedicated strategy is crucial to boys’ underachievement at school, calling it "one of the most egregious issues" facing education and society.

The report warns of the potential societal consequences of male underachievement, suggesting a risk of "under-educated men veering towards the political extremes" if the issue remains unaddressed."

" Co-authored by male inclusion adviser Mark Brooks, the report urges greater scrutiny of gender disparities within the educational workforce through Ofsted inspections and university access plans.

It emphasises the perceived benefit of more male teachers, suggesting their presence "normalises learning as a suitable activity for men” and can positively influence children lacking positive male role models at home."

'It added that the majority of universities still do not formally recognise men as a disadvantaged group in respect to university entry."