It is the day of reckoning for this year's Northern Ireland 11-plus transfer students.

The results arrived by post on Saturday.

A total of 17,606 pupils took the 1999/00 tests which determine whether they will be to attend the school of their choice next year.

According to BBC Northern Ireland's education correspondent, Maggie Taggart, only students who get the top two or three grades will be able to enrol at the school of their choice.

The current Education Minister, Martin McGuinness has said he is opposed to the 11-plus exam system.

The results have shown that a total of 6,633 pupils were awarded the top 'A' grade.

There were 1,416 pupils who received a B1 grade with 1,335 scoring a B2.

The number who received a C1 was 1,456 with a total of 1,333 achieving a C2.

A total of 5,433 pupils were awarded a D grade.

The Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum (CCEA) is responsible for developing and setting the tests and determining the grades.

According to the CCEA, grade A is awarded to the top 25% of the entire age group eligible to sit the tests.

B1 is awarded to the next five per cent, B2 to the next five per cent and so on until grade D. Grade D is awarded to the balance.

The CCEA said that parents should contact their school principal if they are concerned about the grade issued to their children.

If necessary, their principal can arrange for a remark to be carried out by the CCEA.

The closing date for requests for remarks from school principals is 25 February.