P6 parent - of course the transfer test discriminates, but its discrimination is useful - it discriminates on intelligence. For schooling, that is useful. Free school meals, however? I don't see the fairness of that...

Posted by David | 08.05.09, 18:57 GMT

I am glad legal action is being sought, not because of the Catholic Protestant thing, simply because families that work should not be discriminated against, it is unfair and hopefully for future working parents someone may also challenge our current entrance criteria for Nursery Schools.

It is the total hypocrisy of destroying what many believe to be a very successful education system because the minority feel that it is discriminatory, to then replace it with what is a much more blatantly discriminatory system???

Posted by Steven73 | 30.04.09, 19:56 GMT

P6 parent
Instead of peddling anti-selection nonsense why don't you take the time to understand that all testing is intended to discriminate or differentiate. The important point which you and the entire anti-selection lobby are afraid to admit is that the 11-plus (and the new unregulated tests of numeracy and literacy) are (a) intended only for those seeking places at a grammar school and (b) are completely voluntary.
If you aren't willing to compete no one is forcing you to become involved. Perhaps the Minister, educationalists and those parents like you should extend the same respect to those who differ in their view.

Posted by parental alliance for choice in education | 30.04.09, 16:12 GMT

P6 parent - No the 11+ does not discriminate against children - you have a choice to allow your choice to sit the test or not. Working families do not have a choice of school meals or job seekers allowance!

Posted by Concerned Parent | 30.04.09, 16:11 GMT

And the 11-plus doesn't discriminate? Pro-11 plusers are very quick to discriminate about the the types of discrimination they use to peddle their tired reactionary agruments.

Education for all! End selection at 11!

Posted by P6 parent | 30.04.09, 13:03 GMT

Surely this criteria also discriminates against parents who are out working for a living too? I also think the criteria that the very nursery schools have of parents in receipt of Jobs Seekers Allowance discriminates too. Parents who work are being punished! Go Basil, he seems to be the only one with a voice! We have not heard much from any one else since Sammy Wilson moved departments! I know where my vote will be going!

Posted by Catholic Parent | 30.04.09, 09:25 GMT

The Caitriona Ruane admission criteria have been subjected to an official Equality Impact Assessment to establish whether they are discriminatory and found to be so. The DENI have published their own findings and results. Discrimination of this type is clearly unlawful under equality legislation. The question is what is Ruane and the DENI going to do about changing their unlawful admission criteria. One simple answer is to announce surrender in her ideological and anti-pluralist campaign and agree to continue academic selection for admission into grammar schools for those schools and parents and pupils who wish it. The rest, including the entire Catholic school system, are welcome to follow the minister's guidance.

Posted by parental alliance for choice in education | 30.04.09, 08:57 GMT