Challenge Issued On Post Primary Selection

An educational lobby group dedicated to retaining academic selection has directly challenged Education Minister Caitriona Ruane by devising an alternative transfer test.

The test is likely to be used by up to 20 Ulster grammar schools as a means of selection for over-subscribed schools.

With the controversial 11-plus due to be axed next year, the body responsible for the implementation of the transfer test, CCEA, has told the Assembly’s Education Committee it needs direction on the matter by January 31.

But, with just 59 days remaining, Education Minister Caitriona Ruane is refusing to announce her intentions for a replacement for the 11-plus.

Sir Kenneth Bloomfield, from the lobbying group, the Association for Quality Education, said the group has created a common entry test which could be put in place if Ms Ruane fails to find a suitable alternative to the 11-plus.

“The Department of Education has given conflicting statements about whether it will fund these tests but most recently has said it will not,” he said.

“We are looking at the possibility that pupils may have to pay a fee to sit the test but this would have to be waived for low income families as we don’t want to exclude anyone.

“We’re not sure how much money this is going to cost and there is more work to be done. About 40 grammar schools expressed an interest in implementing a common entry test and I think we could have as many as 20 taking part but I would say to all schools that they need to work to the same timetable given by CCEA and make a decision fairly soon.”

While refusing to make an announcement on the issue, the Minister has always expressed her dislike for any form of academic selection and has insisted that the 11-plus will be scrapped next year.

In recent months, the minister has spoken of her desire to see children make their own education choices at 14, instead of 11, without any form of academic selection.

This format would require a complete overhaul of the current education system in Northern Ireland.

(BMcC)