Northern Ireland will face the biggest shake-up in post-primary education since 1947 under reform proposals put before the Assembly yesterday.
Education Minister Caitriona Ruane, as expected, signalled the end of the controversial 11-plus schools transfer test. But she also outlined a vision of post-primary education under which key decisions on a vocational or academic career path would be taken at age 14 rather than at age 11.
Ms Ruane said schools would not be permitted to employ academic selection as part of their entrance criteria and confirmed that the final 11-plus test would take place next year.
This means that pupils transferring to second-level schools in 2009 will be the last to use that system. Admission to second level from 2010 onwards will be decided under a series of new proposals, which were outlined by Ms Ruane to the Assembly.
However, these were immediately criticised by parties on all sides as confused and damaging to the schools system. Ms Ruane also said a revised curriculum covering pupils to age 14 will also be phased in. The range of subjects will also be expanded, an education and skills authority will be established in addition to area-based planning.
This will entail the expansion of subject choice through greater local co-operation among schools.
"My proposals will mould the educational system around the interests of the child, rather than matching the child to the interests of any . . . educational institution," she said.
"We will move away from the outdated 1947 education model, [of] . . . grammar or non-grammar." She told members she was not proposing a "one-size fits all" post-primary system.
"I am advocating an education system whereby all children enjoy equal access to a range of high-quality choices . . . the most significant of which is at age 14."
Options outlined by the Minister include access to a school providing for all pupils between ages 11 and 19; transfer to an "alternative" 11-19 school or the option of a post-14 school.
She also said local areas may also offer general provision in age 11-14 schools "followed by specialism and diversity in 14-plus provision."
Ulster Unionist Basil McCrea said Ms Ruane was proposing "the ruination of our education system".
Lord Maurice Morrow, DUP member for Fermanagh-South Tyrone accused her of sectarianism, saying: "There is not a hope of this going through, not in this Assembly or Executive."
Some prominent grammar schools have vowed to oppose the moves. Ms Ruane has promised a further statement to the Assembly early in January and the controversy could come before an Executive meeting on December 18th.