BBC News Online: UK: Northern Ireland

Human rights concerns over 11+

The study, published by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, also warns that schools may be breaking the law.

Some secondary and grammar schools use interviews or children's sporting records in their selection process.

Report author Laura Lundy also criticises practises which she said could result in discrimination on the grounds of sex, religion, race and disability as well as freezing out young people from the most deprived backgrounds.

She said: "Access to effective education is a fundamental human right for all children.

"The research shows that on several counts the current system for admitting children to post-primary schools may be out of step with international standards and the government's policy on targeting social need.

"It is important that all who are involved in operating the system are made aware of these issues."

'Illegal criteria'

The commission's assessment was published ahead of thousands of children receiving letters from the education boards on Saturday, telling them which secondary or grammar school they have secured a place in for September.

A major review of the transfer progress is currently being carried out which could transform Northern Ireland's entire post-primary education system.

The report says a "significant number" of schools could be acting illegally by: