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    headmaster vs. headmistress: gender question

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    headmaster vs. headmistress: gender question

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    Just wondering if BE strictly distinguishes between these words according to sex. Can a female head-of-school be referred to as the 'headmaster'? Is there a gender neutral term?
    AuthorRita01 Aug 08, 12:52
    Comment
    Yes, the words 'headmaster' and 'headmistress' are gender-specific. 'Headteacher' would be the neutral term.
    #1AuthorJammyCaketin (307821) 01 Aug 08, 13:01
    Comment
    And Wikipedia provides a bit more info:

    The terms "headmaster" and "headmistress" used to be the standard throughout both the state and private sectors, with "head teacher" usually being used only to refer to them collectively. In recent years, however, it has become usual to officially use the gender-neutral term in state schools. Nevertheless, the gender-specific terms are still in common use, and may be in more formal use in some schools, particularly the remaining state grammar schools. Independent schools usually still officially use the gender-specific terms.
    #2AuthorJammyCaketin (307821) 01 Aug 08, 13:03
     
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