Analysis of Scottish exam figures shows further evidence that girls are outperforming boys in an overwhelming number of subjects.

An assessment of Higher results reveals a widening gap in academic performance between boys and girls.

While boys have often tended to be viewed as slower starters who catch up later, the latest evidence suggests this may no longer be the case and that even by late secondary, the gulf remains wide.

As-yet-unpublished details of the most recent Higher results shows that, overall, boys outperformed girls in just six out of 34 subjects. Girls beat boys in 21 of them.

And even in traditionally male-dominated subjects like physics - taken by twice as many boys as girls - it was the girls who were consistently recording better results.

The Scottish Executive has set up an inquiry into boys performing badly and is due to come up with solutions by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Scotland's Chief Inspector of Schools, Douglas Osler, said the problem's roots are in the early years, and more work needs to be done in primary schools if the balance is to be redressed.

While Mr Osler stressed it was wrong to generalise, he said there are clear factors affecting the education of boys and girls, most notably their abilities at English.

He said: "If you go back to age five to 14, you'll find that there is very little difference in girls' and boys' performance in science and mathematics.

"The one factor that is evident in Standard grade and five to 14 is that the biggest difference is in English Language.

"And given the fact that girls seem to take to reading much earlier and that most of the learning difficulties are associated with boys, then it's that very early start I believe to be the problem.

"Girls get a head start in reading and given that reading gives them access to so many other areas of the curriculum, that I think is the key point."