SOME 15,000 primary schoolchildren have taken the first paper of the controversial 11-plus transfer test which determines which second-level school they can attend.
The tests, normally used to select the top 25 per cent of candidates for grammar schools, are being abolished by Sinn Féin Minister for Education Caitríona Ruane.
The exam has no formal pass mark and no re-sits are possible.
The move to scrap academic selection is bitterly opposed by unionists and by some leading grammar schools, which have vowed to introduce their own tests following abolition.
Yesterday’s one-hour paper contained 75 questions on English, maths and science. The second and final paper will be taken in two weeks’ time.
Results will not be known until February and the allocation of second-level school places will not be announced until next May.
Defending her policy, Ms Ruane said yesterday: “I have repeatedly said that academic selection is both unnecessary and unjust. In many schools preparation for the transfer tests starts in primary 5 and this puts two years of pressure on nine- and 10-year-old children.
“The curriculum is set aside while test papers are taken, and in many cases the children who are not taking the transfer test can fall behind in their lessons. This system is unjust.
“I want to bring about a reformed education system, where every child has the opportunity to achieve to their maximum ability. I want to ensure schools can deliver excellence in academic and many other areas and provide their pupils with the widest range of educational choices.”
Looking to the future, she added: “I have set out proposals for the way ahead, which include a compromise position around a three-year transition period. These proposals have been developed following hundreds of hours of discussions with key partners in education.”
Despite her claim that arrangements for next year’s transfer are clear, some teachers and parents say they are uncertain about what will happen.
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions yesterday took out advertising in Belfast newspapers criticising the 11-plus tests as socially unjust.
Ms Ruane already announced that key decisions should be taken at age 14 instead of 11. This has been endorsed by leaders of the four main churches, who claimed this is a “workable proposal”.