Menu
09/04/2008
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.
The DUP has said its plans would "end uncertainty for pupils and teachers" and have been discussed with the other political parties including Sinn Féin.
However, speaking on BBC Radio Ulster this morning, the Minister criticised the DUP plans and said she would make her own plan to replace the 11-plus known when she was ready.
However, there's growing frustration on all sides as no one seems to know what the replacement will be, and time is running out.
The DUP's Sammy Wilson - the party's education spokesman, and himself a former teacher - said unless there was agreement on a way forward in the assembly, grammar schools would decide on some form of academic selection.
"Those schools that wish to include academic selection should have the ability to do that, since again the minister has great difficulty in her department setting a test," he said.
"Those schools that wish to use academic selection should be free to set their own common entrance test or indeed use their own bespoke entrance test."
However, Ms Ruane said the DUP was misleading schools: "The problem here is, we have some politicians being led by people like Sammy Wilson, who have made promises they can't keep," she said.
"They have told grammar schools 'oh sure you can have common entrance tests'.
"He now realises the legal difficulties there are for boards of governors and what should be happening here is the focus is on the new system we are creating."
(BMcC)
The DUP has said its plans would "end uncertainty for pupils and teachers" and have been discussed with the other political parties including Sinn Féin.
However, speaking on BBC Radio Ulster this morning, the Minister criticised the DUP plans and said she would make her own plan to replace the 11-plus known when she was ready.
However, there's growing frustration on all sides as no one seems to know what the replacement will be, and time is running out.
The DUP's Sammy Wilson - the party's education spokesman, and himself a former teacher - said unless there was agreement on a way forward in the assembly, grammar schools would decide on some form of academic selection.
"Those schools that wish to include academic selection should have the ability to do that, since again the minister has great difficulty in her department setting a test," he said.
"Those schools that wish to use academic selection should be free to set their own common entrance test or indeed use their own bespoke entrance test."
However, Ms Ruane said the DUP was misleading schools: "The problem here is, we have some politicians being led by people like Sammy Wilson, who have made promises they can't keep," she said.
"They have told grammar schools 'oh sure you can have common entrance tests'.
"He now realises the legal difficulties there are for boards of governors and what should be happening here is the focus is on the new system we are creating."
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 January 2020
P7 Pupils To Receive Entrance Test Results
The Education Minister has sent his best wishes to primary school pupils awaiting entrance test results this weekend. Official marks for CEA's AQE and the GL PPTC Assessment will be published on Saturday morning, 25 January, arriving at children's homes that morning.
P7 Pupils To Receive Entrance Test Results
The Education Minister has sent his best wishes to primary school pupils awaiting entrance test results this weekend. Official marks for CEA's AQE and the GL PPTC Assessment will be published on Saturday morning, 25 January, arriving at children's homes that morning.
08 December 2015
Arlene Foster Nominated To Be New DUP Leader
Arlene Foster has been nominated to be the new DUP leader after Peter Robinson announced in November he is to step down. DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds has also confirmed he will not put his name forward for the position as he is not a member of the Stormont Assembly.
Arlene Foster Nominated To Be New DUP Leader
Arlene Foster has been nominated to be the new DUP leader after Peter Robinson announced in November he is to step down. DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds has also confirmed he will not put his name forward for the position as he is not a member of the Stormont Assembly.
15 September 2014
Funeral Of Ian Paisley To Be Held
The funeral of Ian Paisley is to be held today in County Down, following a private funeral service at his home in East Belfast. The former DUP leader and First Minister died on Friday, aged 88.
Funeral Of Ian Paisley To Be Held
The funeral of Ian Paisley is to be held today in County Down, following a private funeral service at his home in East Belfast. The former DUP leader and First Minister died on Friday, aged 88.
07 September 2016
NI Primary Schools Free To Prepare Pupils For Transfer Test
Primary schools in Northern Ireland are now free to prepare pupils for unregulated transfer tests. Education Minister Peter Weir reversed his decision which means schools can now support their pupils by supplying support materials and carry out preparation for tests during core teaching hours.
NI Primary Schools Free To Prepare Pupils For Transfer Test
Primary schools in Northern Ireland are now free to prepare pupils for unregulated transfer tests. Education Minister Peter Weir reversed his decision which means schools can now support their pupils by supplying support materials and carry out preparation for tests during core teaching hours.
17 October 2002
McGuinness meets NIO minister to discuss scrapping 11-plus
Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness has met the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) minister in charge of education following the suspension of the local executive on Monday. As the former Minister for Education, Mr McGuinness met Jane Kennedy today to appeal for his decision to scrap the 11-plus transfer test be upheld.
McGuinness meets NIO minister to discuss scrapping 11-plus
Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness has met the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) minister in charge of education following the suspension of the local executive on Monday. As the former Minister for Education, Mr McGuinness met Jane Kennedy today to appeal for his decision to scrap the 11-plus transfer test be upheld.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
