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This conference report contains the presentations given at a symposium on the educational performance of boys in relation to girls. The symposium was organised by the Australian Institute of Political Science (AIPS) with funding from the Department of Training & Youth Affairs (DETYA) as a response to concerns about this issue. The focus was on the educational performance and attainment of boys but also examined broader labour market outcomes and the pedagogy of educating boys. A key purpose was to examine the empirical evidence of the differences and similarities in the educational performance of boys and girls in school, TAFE and universities and how these have changed over time. Participants also discussed how the educational performance of boys and girls affects their ability to find employment and the type of employment they secure. The implications of structural changes in the labour market on the prospects of young people are considered. Aspects of educating boys and their specific educational needs were addressed. Participants also examined the relationship between boys’ educational performance, their labour market outcomes and their experiences and opportunities in life after finishing their education. The presentations are: Overview of symposium / Michael Gallagher; Opening address / David Kemp; Educational performance of males and females in school and tertiary education / Robert Horne; Exploring 'real' effects from evidence-based research in teacher and school effectiveness / Kenneth J. Rowe; Discussion of the topic of educational performance of males and females in school and tertiary education by Jane Kenway; Some observations on the youth labour market: gender issues / Bruce Chapman; Understanding the relationship between schooling, gender and labour market entry / Cherry Collins; Education of boys: what special challenges are there? / Rob Gilbert; Raising boys: who will we listen to? / Peter West; Discussion of the topic of the special challenge of educating boys by Faith Trent; Puzzling about gender, school and post-school life: five paradoxes for policy / Jane Kenway; Discussion of the topic of the relationship between the educational outcomes for boys and their achievements in work and life by Ian Lillico.