‘Transfer tests should be scrapped not postponed’ - Derry MLA Mullan

The party’s Education spokesperson was speaking after transfer tests in the north were pushed back for two weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Karen Mullan said: “There is overwhelming international and domestic evidence that academic selection perpetuates inequality, damages the education system and has a hugely negative impact on our children.

“The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, Equality Commission, Human Rights Commission, Children’s Commissioner, OECD, the trade union movement and the Catholic hierarchy have all called for an end to academic selection and these calls should be heeded.

“Rather than postponing the transfer tests for two weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we should be encouraging those schools that have not yet moved away from academic selection to show leadership and end these damaging tests.”

The Association of Quality Education (AQE) confirmed their tests will be held on 21 November, 28 November and 12 December 2020, while the Post-Primary Transfer Consortium (PPTC) GL tests will be held on 5 December.

On Monday Education Minister Peter Weir welcomed the decision on the post-primary transfer test dates.

The Minister said: “I welcome this announcement which should provide pupils, parents and teachers with the clarity that they have been calling for on this important issue.

“More importantly, I hope that it will remove any stress that pupils and parents might be feeling and provide reassurance in terms of being able to plan and work towards the new dates that have been announced.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank both the Association of Quality Education (AQE) and Post Primary Transfer Consortium (PPTC) for working to make this happen in the unique circumstances that we currently face.”

All selective schools in Northern Ireland currently use one or both of two privately commissioned tests to select on the basis of academic ability. The Department does not endorse any particular transfer test or tests nor does it have a role in their operation.

But while the Department plays no role in the operation of the transfer tests, the Education Minister Peter Weir supports the right of schools to select on the basis of academic ability and wants to see a transfer process that is straightforward for children and parents.