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Northern Ireland Office

Answer

Mr. Beggs: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will defer implementation of the decision of the former education minister of Northern Ireland to abandon the current 11-plus transfer arrangements, until such time as a suitable and broadly acceptable alternative transfer procedure has been decided. [75465] Jane Kennedy: Responses to extensive consultation on the Burns Report showed almost universal support for the abolition of the 11 plus Transfer Tests and a predominant view that academic selection should be ended, although there was also substantial opposition to this proposal. There was also support for the development of a Pupil Profile, a broadening of curriculum choice at age 14, and for greater co-operation and collaboration between schools. There is a clear demand for change in order to address the weaknesses of the current system. It is important that we continue to make progress on this key issue and the Department will be meeting the key education partners to build consensus on new transfer and post-primary arrangements that are fair for all children and enable all children to reach their full potential.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

391 c476W;391 c473W; 75465

Session

2001-02

Subjects

Assessments Admissions Northern Ireland Schools Secondary education Transfer procedure tests

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk