Ruane hears principals' concerns

Academic selection has proven a contentious issue

Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has held talks with Catholic grammar school principals on their plans to retain a form of academic selection.

The Catholic Heads Association had accused the Department of Education of offering "limited leadership".

They made no comment after the talks, described as constructive by Ms Ruane.

"I am convinced that academic selection is both wrong and immoral and I am determined to continue to pursue a course of action to end it," she said.

Last December the minister announced that the test, commonly known as the 11-plus, would come to an end in 2008.

Speaking after Wednesday's meeting, Ms Ruane said: "I agree that the education sector needs breathing space to prepare for the change, that is why my compromised proposals include a three-year transition period."

One grammar school principal earlier told the BBC that the uncertainty was causing problems and the Catholic Heads Association's plan for testing would ensure a regulated system was put in place.

Sarah Kelly, principal of Thornhill College in Londonderry, said head teachers were "horrendously upset at not having criteria in place".

"We see a huge chaotic system opening up in front of us of appeals and parents distraught and upset. This chaotic situation will give rise to more of that," she added.