There is only one month to go until thousands of P7 pupils sit the first paper of new independent entrance tests.

Over 13,700 registrations have been received for the exams being set by 68 schools across Northern Ireland — against guidance issued by Education Minister Caitriona Ruane.

The children will sit up to five papers in unfamiliar post-primary schools. Over 7,000 children have registered to sit the Association for Quality Education (AQE) tests in 34 schools throughout Northern Ireland.

The first one hour AQE test will take place on Saturday, November 14 with additional papers on November 28 and December 5. The best two scores will count.

Another 6,000 pupils will sit the GL Assessment Test organised by the Post Primary Consortium. This comprises two multiple choice papers, one for English and the other for Maths, and will take place in another 34 schools on November 21, with supplementary tests available on December 12 for those who missed the November 21 test due to illness for example.

The Belfast Telegraph’s Sit Down, Sort it Out campaign is calling on the Executive ministers to find a resolution to the school transfer crisis. It is our hope that a regulated education system will be in place for this year’s P6s to transfer in 2011.

To help with preparation for this year’s exams, the Telegraph has compiled six booklets of sample test questions which are free to download from our website. Each 16-page booklet has an extensive range of Maths and English questions, with a full set of answers at the end, giving pupils essential practice in both multiple choice and written answers.

To download the free Transfer 2010 Essential Practice Questions booklets simply log on to www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk.

To add your name to the Telegraph’s petition, go to www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk or email your name and address to sortitout@belfasttelegraph.co.uk