Menu
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)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
Eligibility For Free School Meals And Uniform Grants To Be Reviewed
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a review of the eligibility criteria for free school meals and uniform grants, seeking input from the public with a new consultation. The consultation will examine the number of children and young people who could benefit from free school meals and uniform grants.
Eligibility For Free School Meals And Uniform Grants To Be Reviewed
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a review of the eligibility criteria for free school meals and uniform grants, seeking input from the public with a new consultation. The consultation will examine the number of children and young people who could benefit from free school meals and uniform grants.
26 November 2024
All NI Schools To Have Defibrillators By End Of Academic Year
All schools in Northern Ireland will be provided with life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) by the end of the current academic year.
All NI Schools To Have Defibrillators By End Of Academic Year
All schools in Northern Ireland will be provided with life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) by the end of the current academic year.
26 June 2008
Bishops Question 11+ Strategy
Catholic bishops have accused The NI Education Minister Caitriona Ruane of creating "fear, uncertainty and instability" by her lack of clarity on proposals for school selection. The northern bishops say they are disappointed that, as another school year ends, key aspects of the Stormont Minister's plans remain unclear.
Bishops Question 11+ Strategy
Catholic bishops have accused The NI Education Minister Caitriona Ruane of creating "fear, uncertainty and instability" by her lack of clarity on proposals for school selection. The northern bishops say they are disappointed that, as another school year ends, key aspects of the Stormont Minister's plans remain unclear.
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 WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
