Agreement At Last On 11 Plus

An interim proposal by the Governing Bodies Association (GBA) on how to best deal with the restructuring of the transfer test has won tentative cross party approval.

The testing issue has caused bitter wrangling between parties, and the Education Minister, Caitriona Ruane, has been on the end of fierce criticism over the issue.

The GBA, which represents the province's 52 voluntary grammar schools has suggested a system involving all post-primary schools defining themselves clearly, giving 'academic' schools the right to then choose pupils based on their academic ability.

However, grammar schools would not be allowed to simply fill up to capacity at the expense of the secondary sector; all accepted pupils must be suited to their school's clearly defined character, according to the proposal.

The plan has sparked hopes for agreement on the contentious issue. Sinn Fein and the SDLP have so far not ruled the proposal out, while the DUP's Sammy Wilson, who is chair of the Assembly's education committee, said that much of the GBA proposal "has merit" and that it will be welcomed by other sectors, particularly the secondary sector.

UUP education spokesman Basil McCrea also said he was supportive of the stance put forward by the GBA.

Ms Ruane said: "The GBA paper has many points which I particularly welcome, including its support for diversity in post primary education in accordance with parental demand.

"The GBA believes that the new system must seek to remove the notion that transfer is about passing or failing.

"It also unequivocally recognises that change in the education system is inevitable and necessary.

"It is important to hear the range of views representing the varied sectors as I work to develop the best possible education system."

Schools and parents of current P5 pupils are anxious for the situation to be resolved by the end of this school year at the latest. Pupils will sit the last 11-plus tests this autumn.

(DW/JM)