Young men are significantly less likely to enter higher education than young women, and they are also more likely to drop out and less likely to achieve a highly-graded degree. There are many causes and the disparity in educational achievement starts long before higher education. Yet, while this issue is better understood than it was, there has been a shortage of ideas on how to tackle it. This new paper looks at the data and the causes before making seven specific policy recommendations. It includes a Foreword by Mary Curnock Cook, the Chief Executive of UCAS, who has long highlighted the issue. Data relating to a chart on students studying at UK higher education providers by subject area, level of study and sex 2014/15 is provided in an annex.