27/11/2008
Derry Grammar School Outlines Entrance Test Plans
A Londonderry grammar school has cemented its position within the ongoing debate on the future of academic selection by revealing details of the entrance test it will use to select future pupils. Foyle and Londonderry College said it would implement the exams, as part of its selection criteria, should cross-party discussions at Stormont fail to provide a firm way forward.
Last night, over 100 parents were given an insight into the proposed English and Maths test.
College Principal Jack Magill, whose school is a member of the 30-strong Association for Quality Education, said he has no choice but to continue with some form of academic selection.
"We've reached the stage of a kind of car-crash policy where we'll run the system into the ground," he told the BBC today.
"There's no agreed way forward from where we stand at the moment, and the Minister's minority view about the future of the 11-plus is something that really needs to be revised, and revised quickly," he added.
Parents at the meeting said they understood the difficult situation secondary schools were facing.
Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has given approval for a number of grammar schools to run their own exams, however, this will eventually be phased out.
Mr Ruane said she has instructed officials to work on guidance, which she will issue on the future of post primary education in the absence of agreement at the Northern Ireland Assembly.
"We are at the point where we have to take a decision if we cannot find an agreed way forward," said the Minister.
"I want to find an agreed way forward and I want the DUP to work with me so we can bring in a legislative framework.
"If that doesn't happen then very, very soon I will issue guidance and I have instructed my officials to work on that guidance," she said.
(PR/KMcA)
Last night, over 100 parents were given an insight into the proposed English and Maths test.
College Principal Jack Magill, whose school is a member of the 30-strong Association for Quality Education, said he has no choice but to continue with some form of academic selection.
"We've reached the stage of a kind of car-crash policy where we'll run the system into the ground," he told the BBC today.
"There's no agreed way forward from where we stand at the moment, and the Minister's minority view about the future of the 11-plus is something that really needs to be revised, and revised quickly," he added.
Parents at the meeting said they understood the difficult situation secondary schools were facing.
Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has given approval for a number of grammar schools to run their own exams, however, this will eventually be phased out.
Mr Ruane said she has instructed officials to work on guidance, which she will issue on the future of post primary education in the absence of agreement at the Northern Ireland Assembly.
"We are at the point where we have to take a decision if we cannot find an agreed way forward," said the Minister.
"I want to find an agreed way forward and I want the DUP to work with me so we can bring in a legislative framework.
"If that doesn't happen then very, very soon I will issue guidance and I have instructed my officials to work on that guidance," she said.
(PR/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 March 2018
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
22 January 2013
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
23 January 2024
Highrise Safety Cannot Progress Without Minister – Alliance
The Alliance Party has raised concerns that new safety plans by the Department for Communities designed to address fire safety in high rise buildings will not be delivered without a Minister to take them forward.
Highrise Safety Cannot Progress Without Minister – Alliance
The Alliance Party has raised concerns that new safety plans by the Department for Communities designed to address fire safety in high rise buildings will not be delivered without a Minister to take them forward.
27 March 2024
Infrastructure Minister Holds Meeting With Disability Action
Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, has met with representatives of Disability Action to discuss issues of accessibility and inclusion in transport and travel.
Infrastructure Minister Holds Meeting With Disability Action
Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, has met with representatives of Disability Action to discuss issues of accessibility and inclusion in transport and travel.
27 March 2024
Health Minister To Seek Deferral Of All Hospital Parking Charges
Health Minister, Robin Swann, has announced that he will seek a deferral to legislation to remove all hospital parking charges from 12 May, 2024. Minister Swann said that he will ask the Assembly to defer the measure for a two year period.
Health Minister To Seek Deferral Of All Hospital Parking Charges
Health Minister, Robin Swann, has announced that he will seek a deferral to legislation to remove all hospital parking charges from 12 May, 2024. Minister Swann said that he will ask the Assembly to defer the measure for a two year period.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mainly dry this morning with sunny spells then scattered showers breaking out this afternoon. A chilly start then feeling warmer in afternoon sunshine. Light southerly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Any showers at first soon dying out. Then dry overnight with clear periods and turning chilly with a touch of frost later tonight. Minimum temperature 1 °C.