The welfare of children caught in this year’s transfer test shambles has been disregarded

So, Arlene Foster has rejected a call for the Stormont executive to vote on the Northern Ireland transfer test.

No surprises there then since the DUP’s position on academic selection is well known.

However, in writing this letter I want to make it clear that my main concern is not about the merits or otherwise of academic selection — which is an argument for another day — but rather the shambolic arrangements surrounding this year’s test and the total disregard for the well-being of the children involved.

To briefly recap, the original tests were planned to be held in November 2020 but were pushed back for two weeks to December due to a surge in Covid cases.

Subsequently the tests were further deferred until January 2021 following a court ruling on a case taken by several parents that this delay would further discriminate against disadvantaged children and was hence unlawful.

Then just four days before the first test was due to take place on January 9 the AQE cancelled the tests due to the decision to close schools until the half-term break in mid-February — only to announce within hours, that it proposed to hold a single test at the end of February subject to the public health situation at that time. By contrast, it is notable that the PPTC have cancelled their test completely for this year.

During this deplorable hiatus, the interests and mental well-being of young children who have been working hard amidst very stressful and challenging circumstances, have been totally disregarded by those in authority, with self-interest on the part of the AQE and ideological political stances seeming to take total precedence.

Moreover, at the stroke of a pen, the AQE apparently have now decided that one paper instead of the normal three papers is sufficient to adequately assess the ability of young children who have spent several years building up to the standard transfer test timetable!

Surely, given the unprecedented circumstances, if there is a will and the compassion exists, it is not beyond the brainpower of those in authority, to come up with an alternative arrangement for this year’s transfer test — and in this regard I applaud the attempt by Robbie Butler MLA to propose a pragmatic way forward.

The whole situation is also in stark contrast to the action proposed in the case of GCSEs and A levels where exams for this year have already been cancelled. However, thus far the leadership required by the AQE, the NI executive, the education minister and those with influence has been sadly lacking and it is therefore gratifying to see that a number of leading grammar schools, which clearly take their child care responsibilities seriously, have taken matters into their own hands in determining their own criteria for this year’s test and I fervently hope that others will follow suit.

Hopefully however, common sense and the primary concern for the welfare of young children will prevail at the end of this unholy and shambolic process.

As we have a grandchild due to sit the test this year I prefer not to sign off my letter with my full name to avoid any embarrassment.

RL, Co Antrim

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