Students from eight GSA and non-GSA schools have spent the second year of the Girls’ Research Association (GRA) investigating equality for women and girls in society; from pain bias in healthcare to gender stereotypes in sport and media.

Bringing together Year 7 students from GSA and non-GSA schools, the programme gives young researchers the opportunity to design and carry out their own social research, developing the skills to ask challenging questions, gather evidence and communicate their findings. Working with a partner school, students agree a shared research question before conducting their investigations independently and comparing their findings at the end of the project.

“The Girls’ Research Association is about giving girls ownership of the questions that matter most to them. By introducing research at Year 7, we are nurturing curiosity, research skills and confidence at an early stage, while empowering girls to investigate real-world issues through evidence rather than assumption. These are skills that will benefit them throughout their education and beyond.”

Nicola Griffiths, Chair of GSA Research Committee & Head of Norwich High School

Four schools, four questions

Bedford Girls’ School & Ellen Wilkinson School
“What impact does pain management bias have on secondary school girls’ physical health and well-being across three generations?”

Both schools have agreed their shared research question and are now working independently. Bedford Girls’ School is finalising parental consent ahead of distributing surveys; both schools continue preparing for data collection.

Norwich High School & Batley Girls’ High School
“Does gender inequality still exist in the media in the 21st century?”

Batley Girls’ High School has completed a Year 7 survey and is now analysing findings alongside its literature review, covering television, music, newspapers and film. Norwich High School has completed its survey and begun writing its report.

St Mary’s School, Colchester & Sir Jonathan North College
“Does social media influence girls away from sport?”

Having completed their initial literature review, students have designed surveys and interview questions, with data collection due to begin once the consent process is complete. At St Mary’s School, Year 7 students Ella and Megan, have been part of the team designing a survey that will be shared with pupils across every year group. underpin the next phase of the investigation.

Farnborough Hill School & St Julie’s Catholic High School
“What are the biggest barriers preventing gender equality in sport today?”

Farnborough Hill has sent a staff questionnaire with a good response rate so far; students will analyse their research over summer.

Looking ahead
From September, students will continue collecting and analysing their data before preparing presentations to share with fellow participants later in the year.