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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-controlled grammar schools in Ballymena and Magherafelt 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 CaitrÃona Ruane can provide an approved government exam, they will run aptitude tests on 7 November. | They say that unless Education Minister CaitrÃona Ruane can provide an approved government exam, they will run aptitude tests on 7 November. |
| The test will be sat by Primary Seven pupils on the same day at various schools, who will share the results. | The test will be sat by Primary Seven pupils on the same day at various schools, who will share the results. |
| The final 11-plus was held in Northern Ireland schools last November. | 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." |
| SAMPLE QUESTIONS Big is to (small; orange; colour) as wide is to(apple; red; narrow)If A=1, B=2, C=3, D=6, E=8, what is the answer to this sum written as a letter? | |
| A + B + C = (?) David Lambon, principal of St Mary's Grammar School in Magherafelt, said the test was a "contingency measure". | |
| "We would be much happier if the minister allowed us to continue to use the CCEA test, that is the position of all Catholic grammar schools," he said. | |
| "However, in planning a year ahead we have to publish our admissions criteria in the next few months, so as an efficient organisation we are trying to do that." | |
| Ballymena Academy principal Ronnie Hassard said the test was designed to ensure performance "would not be enhanced by intensive coaching". | |
| 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 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. |
| 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. |