Academic achievement is one of the key criteria to judge ones potential or capabilities in modern society regardless of learner background while mathematical skill and proficiency have long been regarded as a gateway to higher science and technology education. Disparities in academic achievement among various subgroups have become a source of concern among educators worldwide. This study focuses on mathematics achievement of secondary students in Malaysia. Specifically, secondary data obtained from Kelantan  state education department was obtained and analyzed. Result of  group variances analysis revealed that school location is a significant interaction effect between gender differences in mathematics achievement. Female students significantly performed better than males. While urban schools’ students significantly outperformed rural schools. Underachievement among boys is more prevalent compared to girls regardless of urban or rural schools. Based on this study, it is recommended that more affirmative action be addressed in order to improve the educational achievement gap regardless of gender and schools’ location.

gender analysis, mathematic achievement, urban rural gap.