Why Are Boys Failing In GCSEs? Bad Dads, Says Ian Collins

25 August 2016, 07:34 | Updated: 13 September 2016, 12:21

Ian Collins says bad Dads are to blame for the declining performance of boys in GCSEs.

Girls are a long way ahead of boys in the exams for 16-year-olds, achieving better results in 47 of the 49 subjects.

Speaking on his LBC show, Ian laid the blame firmly at the door of fathers, who are not providing a positive influence on their sons.

He said: "It's about Dad. Bad dads, absent dads, dads that are occasional. Dads are the biggest factor in all of this.

"All boys need a dad influence. If you haven't got a dad influence then the results are exactly what we have seen over the last few years.

"Other issues we discuss are absolutely connected. Gang culture: there's an obvious area that we often debate on programmes like this. Every person who's ever worked alongside troubled kids in inner-city areas specifically will always talk about the absent father.

"Young lads need a dad figure and without it, as sure as night follows day, your performance is going to be affected."