MEP backs grammar school admission tests
22 January 2009
Statement by Jim Allister MEP:
"I strongly support the right, even the necessity, of grammar schools to proceed with their own admission tests, such as announced today in Ballymena. It is a shameful commentary on the shambles which Ruane has deliberately brought to our education system, that schools have been driven down this road. With government having abdicated its responsibilities this sort of self-action is essential.
My concern now is that in her vindictive fury Ruane may attempt to block primary schools preparing pupils for these tests. Part of the folly of the DUP and others in endorsing the Education & Skills Authority and it's curriculum is that within the teaching of that curriculum there is no scope for testing or preparing for tests. Hence, Ruane has been gifted a means to try and stymie preparation for these grammar school tests. It would be scandalous if she did so."
