Third grammar set to test pupils

A third Catholic grammar school has said it intends to run an independent entrance exam.

St Patrick's in Downpatrick has written to its feeder primary schools and said it will continue to choose pupils on the grounds of academic ability.

Education minister Caitríona Ruane has said she will act against schools helping pupils prepare for such tests.

Two other Catholic grammar schools have already said they will set independent entrance tests.

Catholic bishops also wrote to Catholic schools last month telling them they do not approve of independent entrance exams.

The Sinn Fein spokesman on education, John O'Dowd, has appealed to schools and parents to be patient and await the outcome of ongoing discussions.

"I believe there is a moral responsibility and a political responsibility on all political leaders to come together around this issue and ensure that it is sorted out," he said.

"And I believe that can be done if the goodwill is there.

"I hope, and would expect, that within the coming weeks that the minister would be in a position to make a definitive statement about the way forward."