Joining clubs meant pupils were more likely to feel positive about their education – increasing their overall results in examinations.
The Independent Schools Council, which carried out this study, said taking part in activities beyond the normal school day boosted children’s self-esteem, confidence, team-building skills and increased their circle of friends.
Miss Bernard said the differences were “stronger” between boys’ schools which offered large numbers of activities compared to those with fewer after-school clubs.
“Sporting activities, in particular, seem to have a bigger impact on boys in terms of improving their confidence and self-esteem, which they can carry through to their academic studies,” she said.
David Lyscom, chief executive of the ISC, which represents almost 1,300 fee-paying schools, said: “This new research shows how important extra-curricular activities can be in underpinning academic achievement, and underlines the clear benefits provided by an all-round education.”
Researchers surveyed 508 ISC members and compared the number of extra-curricular activities offered in each school to overall performance in last summer’s GCSEs.
Schools were ranked by the number of exam entries graded at least a B.
Those schools giving pupils the chance to join 30 or more clubs – including Army Cadets and the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme – were “significantly” more likely to be rated at the top the table, meaning around 95 per cent of papers were between A* and B.
Senior schools with 20 or fewer activities were commonly ranked towards the bottom, with fewer than half of exam entries gaining good grades.
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