The move comes as the Minister is expected to announce today that the transfer test will be scrapped after 2008.

Ms Ruane is expected to introduce a replacement assessment for pupils aged 14 by 2011.

Her intervention will come as part of a speech at the Assembly.

But, with just 58 days remaining, the Minister has so far been unclear about her intentions for a replacement for the 11-plus.

However, parents across Northern Ireland could be forced to pay a fee to allow their children to sit the exam.

Sir Kenneth Bloomfield, from the Association for Quality Education, said the group has created a common entry test that could be put in place if Ms Ruane fails to find a suitable alternative to the 11-plus.

"We are looking at the possibility that pupils may have to pay a fee to sit the test but this would have to be waived for low income families as we don't want to exclude anyone," he said.

"We're not sure how much money this is going to cost and there is more work to be done. About 40 grammar schools expressed an interest... and I think we could have as many as 20 taking part but I would say to all schools that they need to work to the timetable given by CCEA and make a decision fairly soon."

Sir Kenneth said that while the AQE does not support the 11-plus, its members believe a test, based primarily on the maths and English curriculum is the best option while the minister refuses to reveal her plans.

He said: "Are we really saying that while we can provide all different kinds of schools in Northern Ireland, we are going to get rid of grammar schools?

"It doesn't seem fair at all," added Sir Kenneth.

• Nipsa classroom assistants are set to return to work today following their long-running strike action. The decisions were taken after union leaders consulted their members over the weekend. A total of three other unions affected have agreed to accept a pay deal offered last September.