The Northern Ireland Education system under-performs, relative to education systems in developed countries across the European Union, as shown by the PISA study results. Our education system is characterised by sharp social division - and social imbalances within schools - a factor we know conclusively to be inimical to educational performance overall.

Early academic selection at 10 or 11 is unacceptable – a high stakes, career-determining pathway forced on young people too early in life. Early selection itself contributes to systemic educational underperformance and to social division.

The lack of political compromise has allowed around 70 schools – the vast majority of whom are not likely (on past evidence) to be over-subscribed - to institute a system (or 2 systems) of unregulated testing.  Above all, these 2 systems of unregulated testing sharpen sectarian division. The outcome of the tests will only reflect the deep social divisions within Northern Ireland.

NITC:

(1)   considers a fundamental review of school funding is essential to ensure that all pupils at all stages of their education receive equal funding per head;

(2)   believes that all schools should give appropriate consideration to the Department of Education guidance on admissions criteria;

(3)   reiterates its view that selection at 11 is outdated and inappropriate; and

(4)   demands that no money from the Education budget be spent defending any legal challenges from parents as a result of Transfer 2010.

Northern Ireland Teachers’ Council