The Improving Gender Balance and Equalities programme is a research-informed programme. The aim of this literature review is to provide an overview of relevant theory and research in this area, with points for professional discussion and ideas for practice. To ensure the original authors’ voices are reflected as accurately as possible, paraphrasing has been kept to a minimum. This review focuses on three areas: 1) evidence of sex differences in education; 2) the influence of gender stereotypes and unconscious bias; 3) implications for practice.