Most NI People Opposed To Scrapping 11+

Some 60% of people in Northern Ireland - including one-third of Sinn Fein supporters - are opposed to Caitriona Ruane's plans to scrap the 11-plus, according to a new survey.

A new poll - commissioned by the Conservative Party - shows that almost 80% of unionist voters, 36% of SDLP supporters and 34% of Sinn Fein followers are against the NI Minister of Education's proposals, while Alliance voters have chalked up 75% opposition.

However, the Sinn Fein education spokesman has insisted that Caitriona Ruane was

following the clear policy in the party manifesto to scrap academic selection.

The Northern Ireland poll, conducted by YouGov, asked a series of questions of 876 adults.

The main question was: "The Minister of Education Caitriona Ruane would like to see the current 11-plus system scrapped. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this proposal?"

A total of 58% of the sample disagreed, compared to 36% who agreed.

Jeffrey Peel, the NI spokesman for the Conservatives said: "This shows a clear majority of the electorate disagrees with the Ruane plans.

"The local grammar schools are doing the right thing in coming up with an alternative selection process (at 11) in the absence of clear direction from the Department."

He added he was delighted that Shadow Secretary of State Owen Paterson had visited dissenting grammar schools like Belfast Royal Academy, Wallace High School in Lisburn, and Royal Belfast Academical Institution.

However, John O'Dowd, Sinn Fein's education spokesman, said: "Opinion polls vary, and the Conservatives' national policy would seem to oppose academic selection.

"Notwithstanding that, Sinn Fein have always made it crystal clear in our election manifestoes that we are against all academic selection, and the Minister is simply carrying out party policy."

Last week every primary school in Northern Ireland received detailed information about a new common entrance exam being developed for 30 grammar schools.

The Common Entrance Assessment (CEA) will be used by the schools to determine their first year intake after the 11-plus test is scrapped later this year.

Education Minister Caitriona Ruane has put forward a proposal to phase out academic selection over three years but, so far, does not have the cross-party support needed to get this through the Assembly. She has already commissioned exams body CCEA to work on a temporary test.

(BMcC)