The performance differences between public and private education are another reason why the objective of equity should be at the heart of countries’ agendas. The experience of the OECD countries shows that providing equity is perfectly
compatible with improving performance. Education policy makers should also address inequalities between rural and urban students. The consequences of those inequalities often extend beyond school performance and gender inequalities: drop-out rates are high among boys, while girls are less motivated and less confident in mathematics. According to the PISA 2012 results, the poorer performance by girls in mathematics is equal to half a year of schooling.