The Minister said: “This is a helpful intervention from the church leaders and is to be welcomed.
“Over many months I have been working to build a consensus and have met people from all sectors involved in education, including the churches. The proposals I have put forward recognise the different positions of people I met and offer a compromise through the three year transition period, during which academic selection could be used.
“I welcome the recognition from the Churches that academic selection at 11 could be replaced with the identification of educational pathways at 14.
“There is still time to reach a consensus, but we also need to bring an early conclusion to this debate and bring clarity to teachers, parents and pupils.”
Notes to Editors:
For media queries, contact 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.
