PUPILS at a city's schools have been asked their views about how to redress the educational achievement imbalance between boys and girls.

With girls continuing to outperform their male classmates in terms of exam results, the Government is urging LEAs across the country to take action to improve boys' results.

Sunderland City Council's Education Review Committee enlisted the help of the Youth Parliament to draft a questionnaire for distribution at local schools to see what youngsters perceive as problems and suggest possible solutions.

Nearly 20 per cent of the school population responded and came up with some interesting conclusions, such as that boys do well where there is good discipline, close monitoring and a sense of community. It was also felt boys responded well to teachers who set limits and high expectations, gave constructive feedback, and had a sense of humour.

The review based on the questionnaire's findings also highlighted that a "laddish" culture can create a major barrier to boys' achievement.