Transfer test should be abolished instead of turned into single test, says Lyttle

The transfer test should be abolished instead of being turned into a single test, Alliance Education spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has said.

Mr Lyttle was speaking after a confidential document was revealed which outlined plans for grammars here to run a single test with two papers from November 2023. BBC reports suggest the majority of grammar schools here have agreed to the proposal.

“The failure of successive Education Ministers to intervene in the transfer process means pupils still face the reality of numerous tests to transfer from primary school,” said Mr Lyttle, Chair of the Assembly’s Education Committee.

“It is an unfair and unnecessary system of transfer for children, exposed and exacerbated by the pandemic.

“The Assembly recently voted to end the use of academic selection – our pupils and parents deserve better. Alliance is committed to working with the Department of Education, Education Authority and others to create a fair and equitable system for all children involved.”