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Schools link up for entrance test Schools link up for entrance test
(about 1 hour later)
A group of Catholic and state grammar schools in County Antrim is to collaborate on a single independent entrance exam. A group of Catholic and state-controlled grammar schools in Ballymena and Magherafelt is to collaborate on a single independent entrance exam.
They say that unless Education Minister Caitríona Ruane can provide an approved government exam, they will run aptitude tests on 7 November.They say that unless Education Minister Caitríona Ruane can provide an approved government exam, they will run aptitude tests on 7 November.
In Ballymena and Magherafelt, schools from different sectors say they will provide the same test on the same day The test will be sat by Primary Seven pupils on the same day at various schools, who will share the results.
The schools will share the results, regardless of where the exam was sat. The final 11-plus was held in Northern Ireland schools last November.
Many Catholic grammar schools have announced they will set independent tests, while more than 30 state schools say they will continue to use academic selection against Ms Ruane's wishes.Many Catholic grammar schools have announced they will set independent tests, while more than 30 state schools say they will continue to use academic selection against Ms Ruane's wishes.
Ms Ruane said in a statement: "I am still working to achieve agreement which could allow schools to apply to use the department's test during a three-year transition period."Ms Ruane said in a statement: "I am still working to achieve agreement which could allow schools to apply to use the department's test during a three-year transition period."
The final 11-plus transfer test was held in Northern Ireland schools last November. As a compromise interim measure following the end of the 11-plus transfer test, the minister for education has said grammar schools can use tests set and marked by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment.
As a compromise interim measure, the minister for education has said grammar schools can use tests set and marked by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment.
But the schools would be restricted to taking 50% of pupils on academic criteria the first year, diminishing to none after three years.But the schools would be restricted to taking 50% of pupils on academic criteria the first year, diminishing to none after three years.