I believe that boys are falling behind at school because they are exposed to formalised education at too early an age. This is because early exposure to formalised education runs counter to the way that boys learn. Boys require more of play based approach to learning and teaching at primary school.
The power of play.

This is more recent article from The Times written in March 2009 about boys' learning in the classroom. The Times: All work and no play is bad for boys.

This video (28 mins) from Teachers TV on why boys underachieve, how their methods of learning differ from girls and, most importantly, what schools can do to close the gender gap for good. Teachers TV: The Trouble with Boys.

This article from the Telegraph si from 2007 and discusses the problems and evaluate some solutions.  Read more

Boys are falling behind at school and the situation is getting worse in almost all countries, ages and socio-economc groups. A major contribution to this is that schools are not boy friendly. This point is only starting to be conceded by most. A long time has and will be spent debating the issue BUT as parents we cannot wait for them to resolve this.