Figures for Key Stage 3 tests in 2007 showed the gender gap was widest in English where 81 per cent of girls achieved the expected level 5 compared with 68 per cent of boys.
In maths, 76 per cent of girls achieved level 5, compared with 75 per cent of boys, while in science 73 per cent of girls and 72 per cent of boys attained level 5.
The figures also highlight the government's failure to meet national attainment targets.
Shadow children's secretary Michael Gove called for better discipline and more setting to stretch the brightest children and give targeted help to those who struggle.
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