McGuinness claims academic selection means rejection

Stormont Education Minister Martin McGuinness has said replacing the existing 11+ with another form of academic selection is not the best way forward.

The Minister was speaking in Newcastle on the review of post-primary education at the Annual Conference of the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) on Friday March 1.

Mr McGuinness said: “The 11+ and academic selection are inextricably linked. The sole reason for the 11+ is to provide a means of academic selection for grammar schools. The reason why parents, teachers and pupils feel under such pressure and children feel failures has little to do with the 11+ and everything to do with getting a place in a grammar school. The issue is not about the test but about academic selection – because academic selection for some means academic rejection for the majority.

“That is what the debate must be about and I encourage all of you to join publicly in discussion of this issue."

The Governing Bodies Association of Grammar Schools have made it clear they have issues with the Burn’s Report on post primary arrangements published last October. They are to produce their own alternative to the report, which the Minister has urged the speedy publication of, to ensure proper debate.

Finbar McCallion, Chairman of the Governing Bodies Association said: "It is important to acknowledge that the system is not perfect and in need of improvement. We agree that the 11 plus must go. But we accept that it is incumbent upon the main interests in this debate that we all have a responsibility to assist in the development of an alternative…one which best matches our children with the most appropriate education.

"It is quite possible and acceptable to be against the 11 plus, the present form of the transfer test and still support the principle of academic selection.”

Mr McGuinness said the current review represented a golden opportunity, which must not be squandered.

(AMcE)