Transfer children 'let down by the system'

The transfer tests, which took place last November, have proved controversial as a non-state-sponsored alternative to the 11 Plus exam.

Gerry McBrien, Principal of St Colman’s Primary in Dromore said he is very frustrated and unhappy with how the examination and results process has been handled.

“I feel parents, children and teachers alike have been let down by the system,” he said.

While AQE handled the examinations for most Protestant schools, many Catholic primaries used the GL assessment which attracted some extra criticisms.

Principals were faced with difficulties after it was decided results would only be sent to pupils at home, leaving many principals in the dark until Monday when they had to phone parents or ask children directly what they got.

While principals of children who sat the AQE assessment were given results on Saturday, the system is still not a fool-proof one according to Jim Cochrane, principal of Dromore Central Primary.

“The whole situation is just very confusing. It is the first year of a new system and it is really very confusing for everyone.” he said.

Banbridge Academy was the test centre of choice for most of the district’s primary seven pupils and principal Raymond Pollock said they will doing their very best to assist all parents and children with any information they can.

“There is a temptation for people to try and equate the scores they have received with the grading system of the previous transfer test, but this is not that helpful,” said Mr Pollock.

“People should consider the guide provided by the quintiles they got with their results and then come to our open night for more information or speak to the primary school principal.

“They are welcome too to contact me in school.”

As children begin to apply for places at their grammar and secondary schools of choice, Mr Pollock said he could not give a definitive pass mark which will allow a pupil to gain entry to Banbridge Academy.

He said, “It should be borne in mind that no score has ever guaranteed a place at any school in the past. I am unable to say at this stage what the cut off point will be as that, as always, will depend on the number of applications we receive.

“I am confident though that we have a robust system for selection using our admissions criteria."