Written question asked by Iris Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 20 July 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 October 2005. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour) on Monday, 12 September 2005 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

11-plus

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the proposed pupil profile as an alternative to the 11-plus transfer test satisfies minimum recognised standards of reliability and validity.

Answer: The Pupil Profile is not an alternative to the 11-plus transfer tests: its purpose is to provide a holistic picture of a pupil's progress, aptitudes, interests and aspirations, that will help to inform choices throughout a pupil's education.The Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) has been developing and trialling the Pupil Profile over the last two years to ensure that it is robust, manageable and useful for parents, pupils and teachers. Further development work is planned for 2005/06. CCEA will ensure that the Pupil Profile will meet standards of validity and reliability by benchmarking them against the Assessment Reform Group's principles for effective teacher assessment.

Secondary information