Members in primary schools may find themselves being put under pressure to prepare children for a range of grammar school entrance tests. Members in post-primary schools may find themselves being asked to be involved in the setting, supervision or marking of such tests. UTU is sympathetic to the plight of principals and teachers and issues the following guidance:

• UTU has consistently supported an end to academic selection
• UTU condemns the invidious situation that the politicians have placed schools and teachers in and regrets the introduction of private testing
• Members are legally required to implement the Revised Curriculum and to divert from it may be construed as a breach of contract
• The type of testing currently being proposed by some schools is not compatible with the Revised Curriculum
• The UTU recognises the pressures the circumstances place Principals under and acknowledges that there are a variety of possible responses
• Principals are the managers of schools and may come under pressure from parents, the local community and the Board of Governors
• Any Principal who is instructed by the Board of Governors to incorporate any form of preparation for testing within the school day should ensure that the Board of Governors is advised to seek guidance from the employing authority before proceeding
• Any teacher who is concerned that (s)he is being directed to carry out any activity that impacts on their ability to deliver the Revised Curriculum should discuss the matter with their principal and/or contact the UTU
• It should be noted that while the Transfer Tests in the past had the support of the Department of Education and the employing authorities, the proposed entrance tests do not
• It is envisaged that any school found not to be teaching the Revised Curriculum may be in difficulty should the Inspectorate visit
• Teachers who are involved in the setting, supervision or marking of entrance tests may find themselves enjoined in the legal process
• Admissions criteria may be challenged on grounds of validity or reliability, or on a range of equality grounds, and it is unlikely that in such circumstances the employing authority would provide support to defend a legal challenge

CONTACT UTU HEADQUARTERS IF YOU EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY!