Pupils sit the final 11-plus test

The children will receive the test results next February

More than 15,000 primary seven pupils across Northern Ireland have sat the second part of the last 11-plus exam.

Some politicians, parents and teachers are concerned that there is still no final plan for what will replace the controversial exam next year.

The test ended on Friday after 60 years, but academic selection is still allowed for the time being.

Some grammar schools have said they will stage their own entrance exams next year.

VIEW FROM THE PUPILS A P7's view of the final 11 plus

However, as a compromise measure Northern Ireland Education Minister Caítriona Ruane has suggested a transition phase.

The schools would be able to use academic criteria for 50% of pupils in the first year, with this being completely phased out after three years.

However, this has not yet been agreed.

Speaking ahead of Thursday's test the minister said she wanted to "bring proposals to the Executive and looked forward to doing so".

If academic selection is not used, parents are being told to make an informed choice on which sort of school is more suitable for their child, based on a Pupil Profile and consulting with primary school teachers.

A parent at Edenbrooke Primary in Belfast said she thought there should be some form of academic selection.

"Maybe they should take the work of a few years, say primaries five, six and seven, and gather the information that way," she said.

Two weeks ago, pupils sat the first part of the hour-long transfer test which covers English, maths and science.

The children will receive their results in February.