Children’s Commissioner Comments on Transfer Test Cancellation

Koulla Yiasouma, Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, said:

“Children, parents and schools have worked hard to prepare for this test and I understand that many will be disappointed it has now been cancelled.

“This, albeit too late in the day and following rollercoaster decision making, is the right decision for our children.

“It is not in the best interests of children to sit this external test, especially considering the current infection rate, lost classroom time, differences in quality of remote learning and the impact of all of this on their mental health.

“No one can predict what the situation will be like on 27th February and it would have been unfair to continue to leave children and parents with this uncertainty until that time.

“It is unfortunate that we are in this situation, I called for discussions on alternative arrangements to begin last Spring like they did for GCSEs and A Levels.  It is disgraceful they did not.

“It is my expectation the relevant authorities will now undertake work to make sure children and parents have confidence in the transfer from primary to post primary schools for all children.”

ENDS

• For further information or to bid for interviews with the Commissioner please email Communications@niccy.org or phone 07917 544 177.