Exploring staff perceptions of gender attainment gaps: A case study within a Post-92 United Kingdom university sports department

Research shows that globally, women/girls academically outperform men/boys across educational levels. Yet despite high enrolments onto UK sports degree programmes, limited research has investigated staff views on this matter. This study explored academics' perceptions of gender-related attainment gaps within undergraduate sport programmes at a post-92 university. Of 45 survey respondents, only 16% perceived gaps, and most did not view gender bias as an issue. Qualitative comments suggested women students’ self-regulation may contribute to gaps, as staff linked attainment to perceived differences in study behaviours. However, considerable staff uncertainty regarding gender-related attainment suggests awareness-raising as a first step in addressing disparities.