Northern Ireland

Lagan College opts out of this winter's transfer tests

Lagan College will not use academic selection for a second year. Picture by Mal McCann
Lagan College will not use academic selection for a second year. Picture by Mal McCann Lagan College will not use academic selection for a second year. Picture by Mal McCann

LAGAN College in Belfast has become the second school to opt out of transfer tests due to take place later this year.

The 'bilateral' integrated school uses the results of assessments to admit around a third of Year 8 pupils.

The remaining places are filled using non-academic criteria.

Its governors and principal said that in response to the learning disruption that the P6 children have experienced, "we will not use any form of academic selection as part of the P7 transfer process in 2022".

The school will also not act as an assessment centre.

"We sincerely apologise for any concern that this may cause to P6 families. However, we believe that this is the right decision for Lagan College to take and that this in keeping with our integrated, inclusive and all-ability ethos," it said.

"The wellbeing of children remains at the heart of our decision making."

All 11-plus-style exams were cancelled for P7 children this year due to disruption to their education.

There have been calls for all schools to abandon them for a second year because P6s have faced significant upheaval. They only returned to classrooms on Monday for the first time since December.

St Mary's Christian Brothers' Grammar School in west Belfast has also said it will not use academic selection for a second year.

Other schools are due to make their own decisions soon.