Menu
28/02/2017
Proposals Announced For Single Transfer Test
Two groups which run separate school transfer tests in Northern Ireland would like to produce one common test.
The Association of Quality Education (AQE) and the Post Primary Transfer Consortium (PPTC) said the move would be in the best interest of pupils, parents and schools.
However, Sinn Fein party spokesperson for Education, Barry McElduff, opposed the academic selection and said it would have a "hugely negative impact on children".
He said: "Many educationalists, parents, teaching unions, and both children's and human rights organisations also oppose academic selection.
"The Human Rights Commission in the North has called for the abolition of academic selection as it is socially divisive and not in the educational interests of children or young people.
"Sinn Féin believes that education should be about nurturing the individual talents of the child or young person.
"The huge improvements in educational attainment under successive Sinn Féin education ministers demonstrates clearly that academic selection is wrong and unnecessary."
Meanwhile, DUP Fermanagh and South Tyrone candidate Maurice Morrow welcomed the proposals.
He said: "As a Party, the DUP has worked tirelessly to secure and protect academic selection. The DUP have actively engaged with both groups to support their work. During any future negotiations, we will stand firm on this issue. We believe selection allows every child, regardless of their background, postcode or religion, the opportunity to succeed.
"Even in the face of huge political opposition, both assessment providers have stood firm, ensuring every child is afforded the opportunity to enter a Grammar school. I commend them for their efforts and implore them to work together towards one common entrance assessment. The DUP believe it is important that we bolster and protect selection. It is obvious that even with political interference, more parents are choosing to enter their children for the transfer tests. The DUP will continue to support and work with both sides."
The organisations are aiming to have the new common test in place by next year.
(CD)
The Association of Quality Education (AQE) and the Post Primary Transfer Consortium (PPTC) said the move would be in the best interest of pupils, parents and schools.
However, Sinn Fein party spokesperson for Education, Barry McElduff, opposed the academic selection and said it would have a "hugely negative impact on children".
He said: "Many educationalists, parents, teaching unions, and both children's and human rights organisations also oppose academic selection.
"The Human Rights Commission in the North has called for the abolition of academic selection as it is socially divisive and not in the educational interests of children or young people.
"Sinn Féin believes that education should be about nurturing the individual talents of the child or young person.
"The huge improvements in educational attainment under successive Sinn Féin education ministers demonstrates clearly that academic selection is wrong and unnecessary."
Meanwhile, DUP Fermanagh and South Tyrone candidate Maurice Morrow welcomed the proposals.
He said: "As a Party, the DUP has worked tirelessly to secure and protect academic selection. The DUP have actively engaged with both groups to support their work. During any future negotiations, we will stand firm on this issue. We believe selection allows every child, regardless of their background, postcode or religion, the opportunity to succeed.
"Even in the face of huge political opposition, both assessment providers have stood firm, ensuring every child is afforded the opportunity to enter a Grammar school. I commend them for their efforts and implore them to work together towards one common entrance assessment. The DUP believe it is important that we bolster and protect selection. It is obvious that even with political interference, more parents are choosing to enter their children for the transfer tests. The DUP will continue to support and work with both sides."
The organisations are aiming to have the new common test in place by next year.
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 April 2008
Transfer Test Controversy Grows
There is growing tension between the DUP - which has said it has its own plan for what should replace the 11-plus - and the Executive Education Minister Caitríona Ruane, who has not revealed what she is going to do when the test is abolished this year.
Transfer Test Controversy Grows
There is growing tension between the DUP - which has said it has its own plan for what should replace the 11-plus - and the Executive Education Minister Caitríona Ruane, who has not revealed what she is going to do when the test is abolished this year.
28 September 2023
Alliance Raises Concerns Over Newly 'Privatised' Transfer Test System
The Alliance Party has raised concerns over the "lack of accountability" in NI's new post-primary transfer test system, which has led to "significant concern and worry" for parents.
Alliance Raises Concerns Over Newly 'Privatised' Transfer Test System
The Alliance Party has raised concerns over the "lack of accountability" in NI's new post-primary transfer test system, which has led to "significant concern and worry" for parents.
27 March 2007
Politicians set to debate transfer test
Local politicians are set to focus their attentions on finding a substitute for academic selection following yesterday’s devolution deal. The last 11-plus is scheduled for 2008, and the power-sharing agreement removes any suggestion that academic selection may be banned by the British Government.
Politicians set to debate transfer test
Local politicians are set to focus their attentions on finding a substitute for academic selection following yesterday’s devolution deal. The last 11-plus is scheduled for 2008, and the power-sharing agreement removes any suggestion that academic selection may be banned by the British Government.
14 June 2006
Teachers unions hit out at government plans
Two of Northern Ireland's main teaching unions have today hit out against the government's plan to delay their decision on scrapping the academic selection process. It was announced on Monday that the government were to hold off on whether to abolish the 11-plus, until after the restoration of devolution deadline was reached on November 24.
Teachers unions hit out at government plans
Two of Northern Ireland's main teaching unions have today hit out against the government's plan to delay their decision on scrapping the academic selection process. It was announced on Monday that the government were to hold off on whether to abolish the 11-plus, until after the restoration of devolution deadline was reached on November 24.
15 April 2002
“Academic selection must go” CCMS tell McGuinness
The body that promotes the interests of the Catholic education sector has told the Education Minister that the current form of the 11+ transfer system must go.
“Academic selection must go” CCMS tell McGuinness
The body that promotes the interests of the Catholic education sector has told the Education Minister that the current form of the 11+ transfer system must go.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
