Figures from the Department for Children, Schools and Families show that in 2007, 66.4 per cent of girls got five grade A* to C GCSEs compared to 57.7 per cent of boys.
In 2006, the gap was slightly bigger with 63.4 per cent of girls achieving five GCSEs A* to C compared to 53.8 per cent of boys.
Alison Johnston, principal officer for education at teachers' union Voice, said: "Research shows that girls develop at a faster rate than boys when they are young. It is important that there are measures in place to capture the interest of boys and encourage them with reading and writing at an early age.
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