The Minister said: “This report from the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child recognises that our education system is two tiered and recommends the ending of selection to ensure that all children are included in admission arrangements in post-primary schools.
“I welcome this recommendation and I continue to work for an education system in the North of Ireland which does not judge 10 and 11 year olds. All our children should have access to the best education we can offer.”
The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child report was published following receipt of a joint submission from the Children’s Commissioners from the North of Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales.
In their submission, the Commissioners noted that academic selection at 11 disadvantages low academic achievers and those with complex social and emotional needs. The Commissioners recommended replacing academic selection with a fairer system that honours all children’s rights to education.
Caitríona Ruane continued: “This important submission from the Children’s Commissioners has highlighted their views that academic selection is simply not fair to all children and disadvantages some 11 year olds. Most educationalists agree with this view and I welcome the Commissioner’s call for their recommendations to be implemented.”
Notes for Editors
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