Two more Catholic grammar schools in Enniskillen to axe transfer tests for 2021 entry

By Q Radio News.

Two more Catholic grammar schools say they won't be using transfer tests to select pupils for 2021.

Mount Lourdes Grammar and St Michael's College in Enniskillen say they've taken the decision as a result of current circumstances.

A joint statement to the parents and guardians of local Primary Six pupils, the two schools said,

"The Trustees, Boards of Governors and Principals of Mount Lourdes Grammar School and St. Michael’s College have considered the impact of school closures on our local community.

"They recognise that there has been significant disruption to the education of pupils since March 2020, including that of P6 pupils and understand that there may be further disruption during the 2020-21 academic year.

"The Boards of Governors and Principals of Mount Lourdes Grammar School and St. Michael’s College have agreed, in light of the current circumstances, and for one year only, that neither school will use outcomes from the GL Entrance Assessment as part of their Admissions Criteria for the academic year 2021-22.

"Pupils applying to these schools will not be required to provide a GL Entrance Assessment result.

"Mount Lourdes and St. Michael’s will temporarily amend their Admissions Criteria for the 2021-22 academic year accordingly.

"Each school’s Admissions Criteria will be published by the Education Authority (EA) according to its normal timetable.

"Both schools remain committed to Catholic Ethos with a focus on pastoral care and high quality learning and teaching. Those who would normally apply to be admitted to each individual school are encouraged to continue to do so."

The move by these two schools follow similar announcements by five Catholic Grammar schools in the Newry and Kilkeel area.

Also, the popular Lagan College in Belfast, which was the first integrated school in Northern Ireland, also revealed that they were also suspending academic testing for 2021 entry.