Transfer Test: Opt-out Consequences

Oral Answers to Questions — Education – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 3:15 pm on 29 September 2020.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Mark Durkan Mark Durkan Social Democratic and Labour Party 3:15, 29 September 2020

T5. Mr Durkan asked the Minister of Education whether those schools that took the wise and brave decision to opt out of the transfer test this year, including St Columb’s College and Thornhill College in Foyle, will be required to go through the development proposal process. (AQT 455/17-22)

Photo of Peter Weir Peter Weir DUP

As a result of correspondence that we have received, the Department has sought legal advice on whether that is necessary, and we are waiting for a final position on that.

Photo of Mark Durkan Mark Durkan Social Democratic and Labour Party

I am sure that we all look forward to seeing the outcome of that. Does the Minister recognise the potential chaos that the situation would cause for schools and the massive stress it could cause for children?

Photo of Peter Weir Peter Weir DUP

I understand that people need to be given as much certainty as possible. Schools have a level of entitlement to decide what methodology they use. Within the bounds of legal authority, they can decide what the selection criteria are and how they order that. Obviously, schools need to operate within the boundaries of legal competence. I do not want to prejudge any legal information that is received. Clearly, that will determine whether that counts as a significant change that would require a development proposal.