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19/03/2008
Derry School Takes 11 Plus Into Own Hands
A leading grammar school has said it will introduce it’s own '11 plus' exam if plans to scrap academic selection go ahead as proposed.
Lumen Christi College in Co Londonderry has said it will introduce its own 11 plus-style selection test when the education reforms are implemented next year.
Education Minister Caitriona Ruane said she was disappointed and expressed concerns over the legality of the school’s policy on admissions.
The school Prinicipal, Pat O’Dogherty said his school’s plans were “interim proposals” and that there had to be compromise: "The legal position is that academic selection will remain, subject to a vote by the assembly and obviously all the arrangements we have put out are interim arrangements in the expectation that there will be some form of academic selection accepted by the department."
He added: "If that is the case, obviously we will fall in line with whatever academic selection process they advise."
However, Minister Ruane said: The board of governors of Lumen Christi should be in no doubt, the Department of Education will not fund, facilitate or in any way support a breakaway entrance exam.
"Any school opting for this route should have full knowledge of the risks involved, including the potential for multiple appeals and litigation aimed at overturning what are bound to be highly contentious admission decisions."
Ms Ruane has sparked criticism and speculation over her plans to axe the controversial 11 plus exam by the end of the year - and has as yet been unable to substantiate a replacement process.
(DW)
Lumen Christi College in Co Londonderry has said it will introduce its own 11 plus-style selection test when the education reforms are implemented next year.
Education Minister Caitriona Ruane said she was disappointed and expressed concerns over the legality of the school’s policy on admissions.
The school Prinicipal, Pat O’Dogherty said his school’s plans were “interim proposals” and that there had to be compromise: "The legal position is that academic selection will remain, subject to a vote by the assembly and obviously all the arrangements we have put out are interim arrangements in the expectation that there will be some form of academic selection accepted by the department."
He added: "If that is the case, obviously we will fall in line with whatever academic selection process they advise."
However, Minister Ruane said: The board of governors of Lumen Christi should be in no doubt, the Department of Education will not fund, facilitate or in any way support a breakaway entrance exam.
"Any school opting for this route should have full knowledge of the risks involved, including the potential for multiple appeals and litigation aimed at overturning what are bound to be highly contentious admission decisions."
Ms Ruane has sparked criticism and speculation over her plans to axe the controversial 11 plus exam by the end of the year - and has as yet been unable to substantiate a replacement process.
(DW)
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Teachers unions hit out at government plans
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