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Coronavirus: Over 20 primary principals call for transfer test suspension
Jun 1, 2020
Primary principals from 24 north Down schools have called for transfer tests to be suspended in 2020.
The group includes heads from Bangor, Holywood, Millisle, Ballywalter, Donaghadee, Carrowdore and Portavogie.
In an open letter they said "we do not think that the normal academic tests should be carried out in these abnormal circumstances".
Five Catholic grammars in Newry and Kilkeel had previously said they would not use the tests for 2021.
Northern Ireland's biggest integrated post-primary, Lagan College in Belfast, has also made the same decision.
In their joint letter, the north Down principals said that they were particularly concerned about the impact of school closures on pupils in primary six.
'Period of isolation'
"From mid-March these pupils have been at home and in a lockdown which is likely to continue into June," they said.
"This unprecedented period of isolation and home-schooling is having, and will have, an unknown impact on every pupil.
"Each pupil's emotional and mental well being is vitally important to us and the added pressure of sitting academic selection tests in November and December is inevitably adding to the stress normally associated with these tests."
They said the debate over whether to hold the transfer tests in November and December should focus on pupils and their best interests.
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