Grammar schools' test move is 'regrettable' - Lunn

10.09.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 24th Apr 2008

Alliance Education spokesperson Trevor Lunn MLA

Alliance Education spokesperson Trevor Lunn MLA has branded the plans of 31 local grammar schools to set up a company to administer a separate selection test as deeply regrettable, and he questioned whether they had thought through the ramifications of the move. The Association for Quality Education today announced that the independent tests would take place in locations across Northern Ireland.

The Lagan Valley MLA stated: "This development is deeply regrettable.

"I have to question whether the schools involved in this move have fully considered the ramifications of what they are doing.

"This announcement raises more questions than it answers.

"Caitríona Ruane has created a vacuum in which confusion reigns. She has left local parents, teachers and pupils with a situation in which only rumour and speculation can prosper. This disarray is destabilising for our schools and for society. We need progress and we need clarity from her as a matter urgently."

ENDS