Grammars to examine single test

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/8544633.stm

Version 0 of 1.

The two grammar schools groups which ran independent entrance exams have agreed to look at introducing a single test.

However, it is understood there is disagreement on whether to charge for the exams and which sort of test to choose.

The Post-Primary Transfer Consortium and Association for Quality Education held a meeting in Belfast on Monday.

The chairman of the meeting described it as a "positive" encounter.

Former principal Finbarr McCallion said that there was general agreement on having a single test.

However, it is understood there was discord about charges with some schools "morally opposed" to fees but some principals saying that they cannot afford to pay the costs from their budgets.

There were also concerns that Catholic schools, who make up most of the Post-Primary Transfer Consortium, may not be fully committed to academic selection which, after 2012, will be contrary to the church's policy.

It is understood the principals appointed two working groups to suggest a new test and a single organisation. They will report their findings within a few weeks.