Phasing out academic selection won't begin until September 2018 for Omagh schools

by Gráinne Connolly

Omagh's two largest grammar schools have said they won't be phasing out academic selection until 2 thousand and 18. 

In January last year, Loreto Grammar and Omagh CBS both said it would be removed for year 8 intake beginning September 2017 or as soon as possible after. 

A number of parents and primary school principals expressed their concern at the lack of information that had been provided to them.

It was based around what was expected for children in regards to academic selection in the Catholic Grammar Schools. 

Both Loreto Grammar and CBS issued a joint statement, confirming that the end of academic selection will not be until September 2018. 

They originally announced that the phased end would initially involved 25% of Year 8 intake being admitted without entrance exams, with a goal of a totally non-selective intake by September 2020. 

It's thought the delay to September 2018, could see the final date pushed back until 2021. 

This means both schools would still have some form of academic selection when they relocate to the new Strule Shared Education Campus in September 2020.