Key Insights Exploring Gender Differences and Opportunities to Improve Male and Female School Leader Outcomes

Our latest Key Insight explores gender parity, operational practices, financial dynamics, and infrastructure conditions across 2,545 active EduQuality partner schools in 12 low and middle-income countries, using data collected through May 2026. The study sample comprises 38% female school leaders and 62% male school leaders, providing a unique opportunity to examine differences in school leadership and performance. The findings reveal distinct patterns between female-led and male-led schools. While male-led schools tend to be larger and operate with higher pupil-to-teacher ratios, female-led schools are more likely to employ female staff, access School Improvement Loans, diversify their income streams, and benefit from stronger infrastructure conditions, including lower levels of classroom congestion. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of how leadership gender influences school operations, resource management, and learning environments across diverse educational contexts. Click the link below to read and download the full report on our website.