Grammar schools have been given an extension to try to work out what their next steps will be after post-primary transfer tests were cancelled due to Covid-19.

Anger and confusion in wake of transfer test cancellations

The last remaining academic selection transfer test scheduled to take place in Northern Ireland this school year has been cancelled, provider AQE has announced.

AQE post-primary transfer test scrapped 

AQE has confirmed this year's single entrance exam will still go ahead in February subject to the latest public health guidance. 

AQE confirm transfer test will still go ahead in February

A number of grammar schools in Northern Ireland have said they will not use the transfer test this year for their Year 8 intake.

Grammar schools decide against AQE testing for Year 8 intake

Parties opposed to the holding of a post-primary transfer test have been accused of using the pandemic to advance their ideology.

Parties 'using pandemic to stop academic selection', says Donaldson

Following the public health advice has never mattered so much, Stormont's First Minister said.

Arlene Foster: Public health advice has never mattered so much

All scheduled GCSE and A-level examinations in Northern Ireland will be cancelled, Peter Weir has confirmed.

GCSE and A-Level exams in Northern Ireland cancelled - Peter Weir

Plans for a post-primary transfer test while GCSE and A-level exams are cancelled have been branded "ludicrous".

'Ludicrous' that transfer test may proceed while GCSEs and A-Levels cancelled

Post-primary transfer tests in Northern Ireland have now been cancelled.

AQE transfer test to be held in February

Credit: Liam McBurney / PA Images
Dated: 17-Dec-2020
Deputy First Minster Michelle O'Neill speaking during a press conference in the Great Hall at Parliament Buildings of the Stormont Estate to announce new six week restrictions after the Christmas period in Northern Ireland.

The Deputy First Minister has said that post-primary transfer tests, the first of which are due to take place on Saturday, should not take place this year.

Post-primary transfer tests shouldn't proceed, says O'Neill

There have been fresh calls for post primary transfer tests to be pulled - after AQE confirmed their exams will go ahead this month.  

Fresh calls for post-primary transfer tests to be pulled

AQE has confirmed its post-primary transfer tests will go ahead as planned, despite schools facing a week of remote learning only after the Christmas break.

AQE transfer tests to go ahead on planned dates

Schools will deliver remote learning in the first week of the new term after a return to classrooms was delayed due to spiralling Covid-19 infection rates.

Return to school in Northern Ireland delayed by a week as Covid infections soar

Pupils are due to return to school next week despite the strong restrictions in place to encourage people to stay home in a bid to stem the spread of Covid-19.

NI Assembly recalled over planned reopening of schools

Education Minister Peter Weir has outlined plans for the return of pupils to schools across NI in January, with more protective measures to be put in place.

UTV Education