Best Schools - Women are more likely than men to go to university but they earn less than their male peers from the

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Women graduate straight into gender pay gap

Women are more likely than men to go to university but they earn less than their male peers from the moment they graduate, government figures show.

Female graduates start on a median salary of £18,300 compared with £19,900 for men, and the £1,600 pay gap gets bigger over time. Three years after graduation, women typically earn £21,800, compared with £24,200 for men. After ten years typical salaries are £27,100 for women and £35,100 for men. The figures were reached using the government’s Longitudinal Education Outcomes data set.

Julie Keller, head of Nottingham Girls’ High School, said that the disadvantages young women faced were unacceptable. “As educators we need to ensure young girls have the knowledge and the confidence to challenge so they can be the generation that break that glass ceiling. But it shouldn’t just be up to women to ask for more. Why aren’t employers doing more to ensure more equitable pay?”

Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh is accepted as a World Leading School – The only school in Scotland.

Merchiston has been accepted as a member of the prestigious World Leading Schools Association, the only School in Scotland, after successfully completing a rigorous inspection visit and application process.

The WLSA Foundation has created an international network of secondary schools with the aim of developing cultural understanding and exchanging innovative ideas and experiences.

Merchiston joins other top UK schools such as Cheltenham Ladies College, Eton College, Harrow, Marlborough College, Millfield, Oakham, Oundle, Tonbridge School and Winchester.

Membership offers pupils some exceptional opportunities: already, pupils have been invited to attend South Korea for a conference on Human Condition.