Parents' guide to choosing a post-primary school

The Department of Education has published a second leaflet to guide parents through the process of choosing a post-primary school.

A spokesperson for the Department of Education said: “This leaflet sets out the main steps in the Transfer 2010 process. It explains the role of parents and what they can do to help their child transfer to post-primary school. It also suggests how parents can prepare for this process leading to completion of the Transfer Form in the child’s primary school.

The spokesperson continued: “There are many factors parents need to consider including the type of school best suited to the child; the pattern of applications to schools in previous years; how schools will select children if they have too many applicants; and the range of examinations taken at schools and success levels.”

The leaflet also outlines for parents the role of the Transfer Booklets published by the Education and Library Boards in January. Parents are advised to obtain prospectuses from schools they are interested in for their children and encouraged to visit the schools during their open days.

Information is given in the leaflet on the meeting to be held in February with the primary principal to complete the Transfer Form, which lists in order of preference, the schools the parent would like the child to attend. Parents are advised to list at least three schools, including one non-grammar. The information provided about the child on the Transfer Form will be what a school will use to see if the child meets its admissions criteria.

The guide will be provided to parents by schools and will also be available from the Department of Education’s website.

Notes to editors:

1. Media queries to the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.