Heartfelt appeal for suspension of ‘transfer test’ for children in 2020 amid COVID-19 pandemic

In a series of letters, Archbishop of Armagh, Archbishop Eamon Martin said that the move would be in the “best interests” of children.

In his letter, he acknowledged the issue was “sensitive and complex”.

He also urged grammar schools in his diocese not to use selection to admit pupils in September 2021.

In his role as Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of Dromore, he has written a letter making the same appeal to Catholic schools in that diocesan area.

There are 165 Catholic primary and post-primary schools between the two dioceses.

The Bishop of Derry, Donal McKeown, has sent a similar letter to grammar schools in the city in his role as a trustee of Catholic schools in his diocese.

The transfer tests are to be held two weeks later than usual in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

That has been criticised by some MLAs and some primary principals.

“I have become aware of the anxiety that is already building over the prospect of Primary Seven transfer tests in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic,” he wrote.

“In recent weeks, parents and teachers have spoken to me of their disquiet and about the uncertainty that is already upsetting some children.”

He said that parents and teachers were doing their best in the circumstances, but some pupils were struggling without access to technology or the help of their teachers.