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Will the Prime Minister explain why he takes such different positions on education in this part of the United Kingdom and education in Northern Ireland? Why did he support his Back Benchers going through the Lobby to keep selection in England, unless parents decide against, yet force through in two and a half hours a complete change to the system in Northern Ireland? Why does he have such different standards for education in Northern Ireland?
Will the Prime Minister explain why he takes such different positions on education in this part of the United Kingdom and education in Northern Ireland? Why did he support his Back Benchers going through the Lobby to keep selection in England, unless parents decide against, yet force through in two and a half hours a complete change to the system in Northern Ireland? Why does he have such different standards for education in Northern Ireland?
Asked by
Baroness Hoey
(Labour)
Answering body
Prime Minister
Prime Minister's questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
12 July 2006
There is, of course, I hope, a way that that can be resolved by people in Northern Ireland, which is for the devolved institutions to get back up and running. I hope that they are successful in that.
Subjects
Admissions; Education; Northern Ireland; Schools; Transfer procedure tests
Date
12 July 2006
Reference
448 c1389
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Draft SI on education (northern ireland). Considered by Standing Committee. (Minutes of proceedings at UP 7 2005-06).
Draft SI on education (northern ireland). Considered by Standing Committee. (Minutes of proceedings at UP 7 2005-06).
Type
Debates on delegated legislation; Delegated Legislation Committee proceedings
Legislation
Education (Northern Ireland) Order 2006
Subjects
Assessments; Admissions; Curriculum; Grammar schools; Northern Ireland; Pupil exclusions; Schools; Secondary education; Rural areas; Transfer procedure tests
Date
28 June 2006
Reference
4th Sc on DL
Chamber / Committee
Standing committees
House
House of Commons
I thank the Minister for her answer, but the Prime Minister has made it clear that he has no intention of scrapping academic selection in parts of the UK where parents want it. Why should Northern Ireland be any different?
I thank the Minister for her answer, but the Prime Minister has made it clear that he has no intention of scrapping academic selection in parts of the UK where parents want it. Why should Northern Ireland be any different?
Asked by
Greg Hands
(Conservative)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Oral questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
15 March 2006
The system to be introduced in Northern Ireland is one of informed parental choice, and the Prime Minister has made it clear that he is in favour of such choice. In Northern Ireland, we have a system in which 40 per cent. of children go to grammar school, yet the majority of the population do not achieve their potential. We will introduce a system that best meets the needs of children, young people and the economy in Northern Ireland. [Interruption.]
Subjects
Admissions; Curriculum; Northern Ireland; Schools; Secondary education; Vocational education; Transfer procedure tests
Date
15 March 2006
Reference
443 c1446
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
What plans he has to change arrangements for post-primary education in the Province. [57310]
What plans he has to change arrangements for post-primary education in the Province. [57310]
Asked by
Greg Hands
(Conservative)
Answered by
Baroness Smith of Basildon
(Labour)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
7 March 2006
For answer on
15 March 2006
Answered on
15 March 2006
The Government have introduced a number of reforms, including a revised curriculum, an entitlement framework to widen access to academic and vocational courses for all pupils, and new admissions arrangements which will replace academic selection at the age of 11 with a system based on informed parental choice.
Subjects
Admissions; Curriculum; Northern Ireland; Schools; Secondary education; Vocational education; Transfer procedure tests
Date
15 March 2006
Reference
443 c1445-6; 57310
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
The Government have introduced a number of reforms, including a revised curriculum, an entitlement framework to widen access to academic and vocational courses for all pupils, and new admissions arrangements which will replace academic selection at the age of 11 with a system based on informed parental choice.
The Government have introduced a number of reforms, including a revised curriculum, an entitlement framework to widen access to academic and vocational courses for all pupils, and new admissions arrangements which will replace academic selection at the age of 11 with a system based on informed parental choice.
Answered by
Baroness Smith of Basildon
(Labour)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Type
Oral answers to questions
Subjects
Admissions; Curriculum; Northern Ireland; Schools; Secondary education; Vocational education; Transfer procedure tests
Date
15 March 2006
Reference
443 c1445-6
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
The system to be introduced in Northern Ireland is one of informed parental choice, and the Prime Minister has made it clear that he is in favour of such choice. In Northern Ireland, we have a system in which 40 per cent. of children go to grammar school, yet the majority of the population do not achieve their potential. We will introduce a system that best meets the needs of children, young people and the economy in Northern Ireland. [Interruption.]
The system to be introduced in Northern Ireland is one of informed parental choice, and the Prime Minister has made it clear that he is in favour of such choice. In Northern Ireland, we have a system in which 40 per cent. of children go to grammar school, yet the majority of the population do not achieve their potential. We will introduce a system that best meets the needs of children, young people and the economy in Northern Ireland. [Interruption.]
Answered by
Baroness Smith of Basildon
(Labour)
Asked by
Greg Hands
(Conservative)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Type
Oral answers to questions
I thank the Minister for her answer, but the Prime Minister has made it clear that he has no intention of scrapping academic selection in parts of the UK where parents want it. Why should Northern Ireland be any different?
Subjects
Admissions; Curriculum; Northern Ireland; Schools; Secondary education; Vocational education; Transfer procedure tests
Date
15 March 2006
Reference
443 c1446
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
If he will reverse his decision to introduce the Northern Ireland education Order. [57309]
If he will reverse his decision to introduce the Northern Ireland education Order. [57309]
Asked by
Sammy Wilson
(Democratic Unionist Party)
Answered by
Baroness Smith of Basildon
(Labour)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
7 March 2006
For answer on
15 March 2006
Answered on
15 March 2006
No. Consultation on the draft Education (Northern Ireland) Order ended on 7 March. I will carefully consider the responses and whether any changes should be made to the draft order before it is laid before Parliament in the spring.
Legislation
Education (Northern Ireland) Order 2006
Subjects
Admissions; Northern Ireland; Schools; Secondary education; Transfer procedure tests
Date
15 March 2006
Reference
57309; 443 c1445
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
: Despite the Secretary of State's blustering defence of the proposals, the Minister will be aware that in the last consultation 90 per cent. of respondents opposed the proposed changes. Her refusal to accept that view has caused increasing anger. Those changes should be rightly decided by local people in the Assembly, which the Secretary of State is determined to set up, so does she not agree that it is for local people to make that local decision?
: Despite the Secretary of State's blustering defence of the proposals, the Minister will be aware that in the last consultation 90 per cent. of respondents opposed the proposed changes. Her refusal to accept that view has caused increasing anger. Those changes should be rightly decided by local people in the Assembly, which the Secretary of State is determined to set up, so does she not agree that it is for local people to make that local decision?
Asked by
Sammy Wilson
(Democratic Unionist Party)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Oral questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
15 March 2006
If the hon. Gentleman wants those decisions to be made in a devolved Assembly he knows the route that he must take. While the Assembly is suspended, the Government will make decisions. I fail to understand how academic selection at the age of 11 can be the appropriate way to decide the right pathways to education for young people.
Legislation
Education (Northern Ireland) Order 2006
Subjects
Devolved matters; Admissions; Northern Ireland; Schools; Secondary education; Transfer procedure tests
Date
15 March 2006
Reference
443 c1445
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
If the hon. Gentleman wants those decisions to be made in a devolved Assembly he knows the route that he must take. While the Assembly is suspended, the Government will make decisions. I fail to understand how academic selection at the age of 11 can be the appropriate way to decide the right pathways to education for young people.
If the hon. Gentleman wants those decisions to be made in a devolved Assembly he knows the route that he must take. While the Assembly is suspended, the Government will make decisions. I fail to understand how academic selection at the age of 11 can be the appropriate way to decide the right pathways to education for young people.
Answered by
Baroness Smith of Basildon
(Labour)
Asked by
Sammy Wilson
(Democratic Unionist Party)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Type
Oral answers to questions
: Despite the Secretary of State's blustering defence of the proposals, the Minister will be aware that in the last consultation 90 per cent. of respondents opposed the proposed changes. Her refusal to accept that view has caused increasing anger. Those changes should be rightly decided by local people in the Assembly, which the Secretary of State is determined to set up, so does she not agree that it is for local people to make that local decision?
Legislation
Education (Northern Ireland) Order 2006
Subjects
Admissions; Northern Ireland; Schools; Secondary education; Transfer procedure tests
Date
15 March 2006
Reference
443 c1445
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
No. Consultation on the draft Education (Northern Ireland) Order ended on 7 March. I will carefully consider the responses and whether any changes should be made to the draft order before it is laid before Parliament in the spring.
No. Consultation on the draft Education (Northern Ireland) Order ended on 7 March. I will carefully consider the responses and whether any changes should be made to the draft order before it is laid before Parliament in the spring.
Answered by
Baroness Smith of Basildon
(Labour)
Asked by
Sammy Wilson
(Democratic Unionist Party)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Type
Oral answers to questions
If he will reverse his decision to introduce the Northern Ireland education Order. [57309]
Legislation
Education (Northern Ireland) Order 2006
Subjects
Admissions; Northern Ireland; Schools; Secondary education; Transfer procedure tests
Date
15 March 2006
Reference
443 c1445
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Whether planning for the implementation of the proposals by the Costello working group on post-primary education in Northern Ireland is on target to ensure that the present transfer test, the 11-plus, will end as scheduled in 2008.
Whether planning for the implementation of the proposals by the Costello working group on post-primary education in Northern Ireland is on target to ensure that the present transfer test, the 11-plus, will end as scheduled in 2008.
Asked by
Lord Laird
(Crossbench)
Answered by
Lord Rooker
(Labour)
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Answered on
17 November 2005
Progress is being made in planning for implementation of the Costello proposals, and we remain on schedule to put key arrangements in place before 2008 when the final transfer tests take place.Further detail on recent developments is contained in the Department of Education’s Entitled to Succeed newsletter, which is distributed to schools and published on the department’s website. Copies of the newsletter have been placed in the Library.
Subjects
Admissions; Northern Ireland; Secondary education; Transfer procedure tests
Date
17 November 2005
Reference
675 c166WA; 2246
House
House of Lords
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what criteria were used in making the decision that no pilot tests would be carried out in connection with the removal of the 11 plus.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what criteria were used in making the decision that no pilot tests would be carried out in connection with the removal of the 11 plus.
Asked by
Stephen O'Brien
(Conservative)
Answered by
Baroness Smith of Basildon
(Labour)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
10 November 2005
For answer on
14 November 2005
Answered on
17 November 2005
Government have accepted the recommendation of the Post-Primary Review Working Group that academic selection should end, with the final Transfer Tests taking place in autumn 2008. Pilot tests will not be required, as future transfer arrangements will be based on parental choice, informed by a Pupil Profile. The Northern Ireland Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment is developing the Pupil Profile and piloting it in a range of schools with teachers and parents involved.
Subjects
Assessments; Admissions; Northern Ireland; Secondary education; Transfer procedure tests
Date
17 November 2005
Reference
439 c1489W;439 c1493W; 28763
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the Department of Education and Skills' policy that where selection exists, the Government believes in local decision-making, will be implemented in Northern Ireland; and what plans he has to provide for local decision-making on the continuation of academic selection in...
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the Department of Education and Skills' policy that where selection exists, the Government believes in local decision-making, will be implemented in Northern Ireland; and what plans he has to provide for local decision-making on the continuation of academic selection in...
Asked by
Jeffrey M Donaldson
(Democratic Unionist Party)
Answered by
Baroness Smith of Basildon
(Labour)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
11 October 2005
For answer on
14 October 2005
Answered on
14 October 2005
Following a lengthy and detailed review, Government policy is to end academic selection in Northern Ireland. There are no plans to hold local ballots about ending academic selection in individual schools.
Subjects
Northern Ireland; Transfer procedure tests
Date
14 October 2005
Reference
17677; 437 c645W;437 c651W
House
House of Commons
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.
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.
Asked by
Iris Robinson
(Democratic Unionist Party)
Answered by
Baroness Smith of Basildon
(Labour)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
20 July 2005
For answer on
10 October 2005
Answered on
12 September 2005
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.
Subjects
Northern Ireland; Transfer procedure tests
Date
12 September 2005
Reference
15089; 436 c2443W;436 c2468-9W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will undertake a technical analysis of the 11-plus transfer test.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will undertake a technical analysis of the 11-plus transfer test.
Asked by
Iris Robinson
(Democratic Unionist Party)
Answered by
Baroness Smith of Basildon
(Labour)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
20 July 2005
For answer on
10 October 2005
Answered on
12 September 2005
The 11-plus transfer tests are conducted by the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) on behalf of the Department of Education. CCEA commissions an external agency to develop tests. Each year, a technical analysis is undertaken as part of the development of the new tests, with extensive and rigorous testing and analysis to ensure their validity in terms of the elements of the subjects specified for the tests, that they reflect the relevant programmes of study and that the standard is consistent from year to year.
Subjects
Northern Ireland; Transfer procedure tests
Date
12 September 2005
Reference
15086; 436 c2443W;436 c2468W
House
House of Commons
Whether they will review their policy on pupil authority and parental decision making in the light of the comments of Dr Morrison of Queen’s University of Belfast reported in the Belfast Telegraph on 25 June.
Whether they will review their policy on pupil authority and parental decision making in the light of the comments of Dr Morrison of Queen’s University of Belfast reported in the Belfast Telegraph on 25 June.
Asked by
Lord Maginnis of Drumglass
(Crossbench)
Answered by
Lord Rooker
(Labour)
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Answered on
19 July 2005
Research undertaken and published in 2000 in a report Testing the Test identified concerns about the appropriateness and accuracy of the transfer tests for the purpose of predicting whether a child is suitable for a grammar school education. Government announced on 26 January 2004 that the last transfer tests will be held in autumn 2008.There are no plans to change the test specifications or the administration arrangements during this period nor are there any plans to make available information to enable a technical analysis of the tests.
Subjects
Assessments; Admissions; Grammar schools; Northern Ireland; Parents; Pupils; School choice; Secondary education; Transfer procedure tests
Date
19 July 2005
Reference
975; 673 c224-5WA
House
House of Lords
Whether they have any proposals on the accountability of the design and administration of the 11-plus transfer test in Northern Ireland; and whether they will provide access to information that would permit technical analysis; and
Whether they have any proposals on the accountability of the design and administration of the 11-plus transfer test in Northern Ireland; and whether they will provide access to information that would permit technical analysis; and
Asked by
Lord Maginnis of Drumglass
(Crossbench)
Answered by
Lord Rooker
(Labour)
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Answered on
19 July 2005
Research undertaken and published in 2000 in a report Testing the Test identified concerns about the appropriateness and accuracy of the transfer tests for the purpose of predicting whether a child is suitable for a grammar school education. Government announced on 26 January 2004 that the last transfer tests will be held in autumn 2008.There are no plans to change the test specifications or the administration arrangements during this period nor are there any plans to make available information to enable a technical analysis of the tests.
Subjects
Assessments; Disclosure of information; Accountability; Admissions; Northern Ireland; Pupils; Secondary education; Transfer procedure tests
Date
19 July 2005
Reference
974; 673 c224-5WA
House
House of Lords
When the Department of Education in Northern Ireland will publish a technical analysis and revised specification for the 11-plus transfer test, in the light of the report Testing the Test of April 2000.
When the Department of Education in Northern Ireland will publish a technical analysis and revised specification for the 11-plus transfer test, in the light of the report Testing the Test of April 2000.
Asked by
Lord Maginnis of Drumglass
(Crossbench)
Answered by
Lord Rooker
(Labour)
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Answered on
19 July 2005
Arrangements already exist to validate and quality assure the 11-plus transfer tests and the development of the pupil profile and therefore the Government have not adopted the standards of the American Educational Research Association or the American Psychological Association.The 11-plus transfer tests are conducted by the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) on behalf of the Department of Education. CCEA commission an external agency to develop the tests which undergo extensive and rigorous testing and analysis to ensure their validity in terms of the elements of the subjects specified for the tests, that they reflect the relevant programmes of study and that the standard is consistent from year to year. In addition a series of reliability measures are used to ensure internal consistency of the tests. The agency is recognised internationally for its expertise in test development and its staff adhere to a code of practice governing all aspects of test development. CCEA also employs a number of additional quality assurance procedures.The pupil profile currently being developed will provide a range of useful information on each child’s progress, aptitudes, interests and aspirations. It will be based on well-supported teacher assessment rather than a regime of annual testing. 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. Details of the evaluation of the trials to date will shortly be published on the CCEA website. Development work will continue in 2005–06. CCEA will ensure that the pupil profile will meet standards of validity and reliability by bench-marking them against the Assessment Reform Group’s principles for effective teacher assessment.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. It will also help parents to make informed choices about the post-primary school which best meets their child’s educational needs, supported by other information available from the primary and post-primary schools. The pupil profile will not be used to determine a rank ordering of pupils for use by schools to determine which pupils to admit. Where schools are over-subscribed, admissions criteria will be used by schools to determine which pupils are admitted.Government announced on 26 January 2004 that the last transfer tests will be held in autumn 2008. Detail of the new arrangements will be announced after the responses to the recent consultation have been analysed.
Subjects
Assessments; Disclosure of information; Admissions; Northern Ireland; Pupils; Secondary education; Transfer procedure tests
Date
19 July 2005
Reference
973; 673 c223-4WA
House
House of Lords
When they adopted the American Educational Research Association’s or the American Psychological Association’s standards for educational and psychological testing for (a) the 11-plus transfer test, and (b) the proposed pupil profiling to be used when the current 11-plus is replaced in Northern Ireland; and
When they adopted the American Educational Research Association’s or the American Psychological Association’s standards for educational and psychological testing for (a) the 11-plus transfer test, and (b) the proposed pupil profiling to be used when the current 11-plus is replaced in Northern Ireland; and
Asked by
Lord Maginnis of Drumglass
(Crossbench)
Answered by
Lord Rooker
(Labour)
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Answered on
19 July 2005
Arrangements already exist to validate and quality assure the 11-plus transfer tests and the development of the pupil profile and therefore the Government have not adopted the standards of the American Educational Research Association or the American Psychological Association.The 11-plus transfer tests are conducted by the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) on behalf of the Department of Education. CCEA commission an external agency to develop the tests which undergo extensive and rigorous testing and analysis to ensure their validity in terms of the elements of the subjects specified for the tests, that they reflect the relevant programmes of study and that the standard is consistent from year to year. In addition a series of reliability measures are used to ensure internal consistency of the tests. The agency is recognised internationally for its expertise in test development and its staff adhere to a code of practice governing all aspects of test development. CCEA also employs a number of additional quality assurance procedures.The pupil profile currently being developed will provide a range of useful information on each child’s progress, aptitudes, interests and aspirations. It will be based on well-supported teacher assessment rather than a regime of annual testing. 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. Details of the evaluation of the trials to date will shortly be published on the CCEA website. Development work will continue in 2005–06. CCEA will ensure that the pupil profile will meet standards of validity and reliability by bench-marking them against the Assessment Reform Group’s principles for effective teacher assessment.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. It will also help parents to make informed choices about the post-primary school which best meets their child’s educational needs, supported by other information available from the primary and post-primary schools. The pupil profile will not be used to determine a rank ordering of pupils for use by schools to determine which pupils to admit. Where schools are over-subscribed, admissions criteria will be used by schools to determine which pupils are admitted.Government announced on 26 January 2004 that the last transfer tests will be held in autumn 2008. Detail of the new arrangements will be announced after the responses to the recent consultation have been analysed.
Subjects
Assessments; Admissions; Northern Ireland; Pupils; Standards; Psychology; Secondary education; Transfer procedure tests
Date
19 July 2005
Reference
673 c223-4WA; 915
House
House of Lords
How many of the 24 validity and 20 reliability standards used by the American Psychological Association to measure educational testing instruments have been met by (a) the 11-plus transfer test, and (b) the proposed pupil profiling in Northern Ireland; and
How many of the 24 validity and 20 reliability standards used by the American Psychological Association to measure educational testing instruments have been met by (a) the 11-plus transfer test, and (b) the proposed pupil profiling in Northern Ireland; and
Asked by
Lord Maginnis of Drumglass
(Crossbench)
Answered by
Lord Rooker
(Labour)
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Answered on
19 July 2005
Arrangements already exist to validate and quality assure the 11-plus transfer tests and the development of the pupil profile and therefore the Government have not adopted the standards of the American Educational Research Association or the American Psychological Association.The 11-plus transfer tests are conducted by the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) on behalf of the Department of Education. CCEA commission an external agency to develop the tests which undergo extensive and rigorous testing and analysis to ensure their validity in terms of the elements of the subjects specified for the tests, that they reflect the relevant programmes of study and that the standard is consistent from year to year. In addition a series of reliability measures are used to ensure internal consistency of the tests. The agency is recognised internationally for its expertise in test development and its staff adhere to a code of practice governing all aspects of test development. CCEA also employs a number of additional quality assurance procedures.The pupil profile currently being developed will provide a range of useful information on each child’s progress, aptitudes, interests and aspirations. It will be based on well-supported teacher assessment rather than a regime of annual testing. 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. Details of the evaluation of the trials to date will shortly be published on the CCEA website. Development work will continue in 2005–06. CCEA will ensure that the pupil profile will meet standards of validity and reliability by bench-marking them against the Assessment Reform Group’s principles for effective teacher assessment.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. It will also help parents to make informed choices about the post-primary school which best meets their child’s educational needs, supported by other information available from the primary and post-primary schools. The pupil profile will not be used to determine a rank ordering of pupils for use by schools to determine which pupils to admit. Where schools are over-subscribed, admissions criteria will be used by schools to determine which pupils are admitted.Government announced on 26 January 2004 that the last transfer tests will be held in autumn 2008. Detail of the new arrangements will be announced after the responses to the recent consultation have been analysed.
Subjects
Assessments; Admissions; Northern Ireland; Pupils; Standards; Secondary education; Transfer procedure tests
Date
19 July 2005
Reference
673 c223-4WA; 972
House
House of Lords