First Minister Arlene Foster ‘shares concerns’ about how children are being prepared for this year’s transfer tests

She spoke out after a call was made by the head of the Catholic Church in Ireland to Catholic schools to “suspend” academic selection in 2020.

Transfer tests are used by some grammar schools use as entrance exams.

The tests are due to take place in November and December, despite pupils missing months of school due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking to the BBC, Mrs Foster said Stormont’s education minister was “not in charge” of the tranfer tests as they were set by independent companies.

She told the BBC’s Good Morning Ulster programme that executive ministers need to work with schools, parents and the firms which run the tests “to get a sensible outcome”.

However she would not be drawn on whether this year’s tests should be cancelled.

She said ministers should explore the possibility of “extra support” for pupils in key academic year groups.