General Teaching Council Northern Ireland

Catholic grammar hopefuls to sit test

08-04-2009

Belfast Telegraph

Pupils hoping to attend Catholic grammar schools in Northern Ireland will sit tests in English and maths in November, it has been revealed.

 

A total of 28 schools signed up in Belfast, Londonderry, Omagh and Newry, a Catholic head teachers’ group said. The National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) will oversee the test. Many state-run schools have accepted tests run by the Association for Quality Education.

Dermot Mullan from the Catholic Head Teachers’ Association said: “We believe the NFER has a robust system in place. The schools are across Northern Ireland and we are in discussions with other schools.” Some non-Catholic colleges are included.

Education Minister Caitriona Ruane said it was regrettable a minority were trying to block change.

She said: “There is no justification in forcing 10 and 11-year-olds to sit tests to obtain the education to which all children are entitled.”

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