Unions call on schools to abandon transfer tests

what a mess has been made of these transfer tests and its all to do with power sharing, not in the child's best interest. When a child some not even 11 has to attend a school he has never been in before to sit tests paid in advance by the parents who rightly of wrongly think its a test of their commitment to the education of that child. should the child fail than that child is left with failure of himself and he has disappointed his parents. the whole thing is crazy. if this is the best of power sharing bring back direct rule.Catriona Rohan wants our fine grammar school system shut down WHY. because she has the power

I am appalled at the way in which our so called learned politicians have dealt with the issue of transfer procedures for our children. I come from Banbridge and am very concerned that Banbridge Academy are alledgedly charging £35 fee to sit three exams over the course of three Saturdays, surely this is a questionable practice and parents should not be forced to pay for an exam that was historically free to all. Again bringing us back to the days when those who are in the position to pay will be at an advantage in getting their children a place at grammer school.More alarmingly Saint Mary's principal is alledgedly asking parents to pay £5 to cover the cost of tuition for any child interested in sitting the various transfer tests. Parents who wish to secure their children a place at grammer and whose children will sit more than one or two transfer tests will therefore be put under more financial pressure. Quite frankly I think it is appalling for schools to see this situation as a way to make money.

I am also a parent of a P6 and find this situation we are in a shambles! This is more pressure on a child than the 11 plus ever could of been. Catriona Ruane should be forced to step down as Education Minister this has gone on far too long, MP's are being forced out over expenses and look what she is doing to the education system and not listening to the people who live here. Get her OUT!

At least the schools that have set these tests are giving parents a chance to decide what they feel is best for their own children. Yet Caitriona Ruane is now threatening to have these schools disciplined, funding withdrawn etc, etc. What an example for our education minister to set in this day and age - Do as I say or else! So much for the school bully.

I completely agree with Janet Millar and Zoe Lafferty, there should have been other provisions in place before the 11+ was done away with, and that the 11+ should be brought back until they come up with a reasonable and child friendly solution. As Education Minister Catriona Rohan should be trying to understand children and parents, but it seems to me she's trying to fulfill her job description without thinking about the people its affecting. She has a goal or a purpose but she hasn't a clue how to get there.