Sir, - David Bell, the Chief Inspector of Schools, chose International Women's Day to call for equal opportunities for girls in schools.

In an address to the Fawcett Society, he warned that boys still dominate in the classroom, that their "laddish" behaviour may have a negative effect on girls' learning, and that gender bias still exists in subject options.

I feel his remarks more than answer the question "Is there still a place for single-sex schools?" which is frequently aired.

As the headmistress of an all-girls school I can assert that our students find not only equal opportunity, but every opportunity. Studies have shown that at co-educational schools girls are called upon less, receive less feedback and have lower self-esteem than boys.

Research also proves that these girls do not receive equal opportunities to achieve academically in subject areas such as maths, science and IT; despite the best intentions, girls in mixed classes are at a distinct disadvantage that narrows their options for careers. We lose not only a valuable future workforce but deny women the access to jobs that will support families in today's economy.

By contrast, girls in single-sex schools are four times more likely to choose careers in the sciences and maths. In general they are more motivated and have higher aspirations than their counterparts in co-educational schools. They benefit from a learning environment specifically tailored to the ways in which they learn best.

Girls are consistently out-performing boys in examinations yet fail to be equally represented in the nation's boardrooms and executive bodies. This has little to do with academic ability and everything to do with self-confidence.

In co-educational classrooms girls may lack encouragement and support in the face of louder demands from boys. While boys are encouraged to be assertive and tough, this behaviour is discouraged in girls. A single-sex school will help a girl to develop her self-assurance as well as the characteristics such as ambition, competitiveness and resilience which will help her take her place in twenty-first century society.

Each year we celebrate the achievements of girls and women on International Women's Day, but we need to ensure that all girls are given the opportunity to achieve their full potential throughout their school careers and beyond, and I welcome David Bell's remarks.

HILARY J FRENCH

Headmistress, Teesside Prep and High School,

The Avenue,

Eaglescliffe.