TRANSFER tests due to take place this autumn could be postponed until early next year.
Education minister Peter Weir is reportedly considering a delay due to coronavirus disruption.
Normally taken on five consecutive Saturdays from early November, this year's tests were already set to be held two weeks later than usual.
Amid concerns about the impact of the Covid lockdown on education, parents of two pupils won High Court permission to challenge the delay.
However, ahead of the case being heard on September 2, Mr Weir's department told the BBC he intended to "reach a final view on the issue in the near future".
"In light of the school closures, the minister would like to be able to provide children facing the transfer test with more classroom time, if it is possible and practicable to do so," it said.
"This issue is complex and is currently the subject of a judicial review challenge."
Previously, the minister has said that if the tests were held in January it would have consequences for the entire transfer process.
