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12/06/2006
Deadline set for decision on academic selection process
The government has today put off the final decision on removing the academic selection process until the restoration of devolution deadline is reached on November 24.
The draft Education Order, which would remove post-primary selection has today been laid before parliament by Education Minister Maria Eagle, who said that the assembly members would have the final decision on implementing the Order.
However, if a power-sharing executive is not reached by November 24, then the Order will automatically become law.
Ms Eagle said that the blueprint was the creation of a world-class education system in Northern Ireland. She said: “The case for change to the current education system is clear. It is failing too many children, and it is failing our economy. Northern Ireland urgently needs a revised schools curriculum that allows every child to meet their full potential, and one that creates the skills base needed to ensure Northern Ireland’s economy doesn’t get left behind.”
She added: "There is still considerable debate about academic selection. I am convinced that banning academic selection would be in the best educational interests of young people in NI, and this is reflected in the draft Order.
“However, I have included a provision in this Order that, if local politicians have agreed to restore the Assembly and Executive by the November 24 deadline, then they will have the final decision to implement this part of the Education Order. If they do not reach agreement on an Assembly by then, the ban on academic selection will become law immediately that deadline has expired.”
Ms Eagle continued by saying that this legislation is an essential part of the reform programme to raise standards and create the education system Northern Ireland needs for the 21st century.
“The current system produces good results for some young people, but too many children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, do not reach their full potential. Nor does the current system provide the skills base needed for Northern Ireland to reach its full economic potential," she said.
Commenting on the announcement, Secretary of State, Peter Hain said: "I firmly believe that the ending of academic selection is vital in creating a world-class education system for Northern Ireland."
The first move to end the academic selection process in Northern Ireland was made by assembly education minister Martin McGuinness in October 2002.
The last 11-plus transfer test is scheduled to be held in 2008.
(EF/SP)
The draft Education Order, which would remove post-primary selection has today been laid before parliament by Education Minister Maria Eagle, who said that the assembly members would have the final decision on implementing the Order.
However, if a power-sharing executive is not reached by November 24, then the Order will automatically become law.
Ms Eagle said that the blueprint was the creation of a world-class education system in Northern Ireland. She said: “The case for change to the current education system is clear. It is failing too many children, and it is failing our economy. Northern Ireland urgently needs a revised schools curriculum that allows every child to meet their full potential, and one that creates the skills base needed to ensure Northern Ireland’s economy doesn’t get left behind.”
She added: "There is still considerable debate about academic selection. I am convinced that banning academic selection would be in the best educational interests of young people in NI, and this is reflected in the draft Order.
“However, I have included a provision in this Order that, if local politicians have agreed to restore the Assembly and Executive by the November 24 deadline, then they will have the final decision to implement this part of the Education Order. If they do not reach agreement on an Assembly by then, the ban on academic selection will become law immediately that deadline has expired.”
Ms Eagle continued by saying that this legislation is an essential part of the reform programme to raise standards and create the education system Northern Ireland needs for the 21st century.
“The current system produces good results for some young people, but too many children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, do not reach their full potential. Nor does the current system provide the skills base needed for Northern Ireland to reach its full economic potential," she said.
Commenting on the announcement, Secretary of State, Peter Hain said: "I firmly believe that the ending of academic selection is vital in creating a world-class education system for Northern Ireland."
The first move to end the academic selection process in Northern Ireland was made by assembly education minister Martin McGuinness in October 2002.
The last 11-plus transfer test is scheduled to be held in 2008.
(EF/SP)
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