“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.

Speaking after their meeting with Mr McGuinness, the Chair of the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS), Bishop McAreavey, and CCMS Chief Executive, Donal Flanagan, presented their case to the minister saying that the status quo is not an option and academic selection must end.

Mr McGuinness said: “These meetings are a vital element in the consultation process. The CCMS has played a key part in defining and developing the distinctive and important role of Catholic education in our schools.

“In my view, we cannot persist with arrangements that do well for some but poorly for so many. The extremes of high and low achievement among our pupils is a product of our highly differentiated academically selective system.”

Referring to the Burns consultation document, Mr McGuinness added: “The Post-Primary Review presents a unique opportunity to address these weaknesses and it is important that we debate and discuss the issues fully and constructively.

"No decisions have yet been made and I have made clear that I have invited comments on the Burns proposals, suggestions for modifications of the Burns proposals and suggestions of alternative proposals.

“I believe if we work together we can create new arrangements which will raise standards for all pupils, provide fairness for all pupils and create a modern education system for the 21st century.”

The Education Minister has held previous meetings with the vice-chancellors of the local universities, principals of Further Education Colleges, the Progressive Unionist Party, the chief executives of the Education and Library Boards and the Belfast Partnerships on the post-primary review.

Further meetings are planned for later this month and May before the consultation deadline expires in June this year. (AMcE)