Following the abolition of the Transfer Test for primary 7 pupils by former Education Minister Caitriona Ruane,  the AQE and GL entrance exams have been in operation for P7 pupils in Northern Ireland.

These exams are unregulated and unmonitored by the Department of Education and the Education Authority, however 000s of children are still sitting the tests each year but instead of the safe, secure and familiar setting of their own primary school, they now have to attend an unfamiliar participating grammar school or testing centre. A setting which is arguably overwhelming despite the visit beforehand. Children of 10 and 11 are not emotionally ready for these formal exam environments at this stage in their school career.

The Belfast Telegraph reported on 30 January 2019 that there had been a 21% rise, over three years, in children being treated for mental health issues in Northern Ireland. With these harrowing statistics in mind and the likely emotional response children of 10 and 11 years old face when sitting, what can be perceived as a life changing exam, this petition aims to encourage the Northern Ireland Assembly to permit the AQE/GL to be taken back to the familiar primary school setting in preparation for this years exam and the years that follow until an agreed solution is found.

#putchildrenfirst #bringitbacktoprimary