PAST pupils of a Catholic grammar school planning to use entrance exams this winter have spoken of the "deep injustice" they feel.
Alumni of St Joseph's Grammar School in Donaghmore are the latest group to demand a suspension of 11-plus-style tests.
St Joseph's and nearby St Patrick's Academy in Dungannon are two Co Tyrone schools that have said they will use academic selection to select pupils.
A dozen schools across the north have said they are suspending their entrance tests for a year due to the disruption of the coronavirus lockdown
The letter, signed by 135 past pupils, is similar to separate correspondence sent to St Patrick's.
"We do not believe this decision to be in keeping with the Christian ethos of the school as we have and do know it," it reads.
"Certainly in this its centenary year, following the invitation by Canon Joseph O'Neill who invited the Daughters of the Cross to establish a convent and school in 1920; one would be pleased that the school, 100 years on, would reflect on this decision and take into account the concerns and deep injustice we as a community feel.
"We urge you to reconsider your position in acknowledgement of the continuing impacts of Covid-19 and lockdown on all children and, in particular, those who are most vulnerable, disadvantaged and marginalised in our community."
Meanwhile, a petition urging the two schools to abandon academic selection is continuing to attract hundreds of signatures.
It has been endorsed by former MP and civil rights leader Bernadette McAliskey.
"These schools were established to create equal access to second level education. As a past-pupil, it is deeply saddening to see the founding principles set aside when needed most," she said.
