The SDLP and the Ulster Unionists have failed to respond to an Alliance party invitation to take part in all-party talks on the school transfer fiasco despite publicly backing the Belfast Telegraph's Sit Down and Sort It Out campaign.

The two parties have not yet replied to a letter sent by Alliance leader David Ford last week which called on each party to nominate representatives for talks in a bid to resolve the logjam over what should replace the 11-plus.

However, the DUP has said it is happy to take part in the talks.

Sinn Fein, which also has yet to reply to the invitation, has not backed the campaign and instead insists that a decision has already been taken and that the department’s Transfer 2010 policy should be followed by all schools.

However, 68 schools have already dismissed Caitriona Ruane’s guidance that academic selection should be abandoned, and instead have introduced their own entrance tests for P7 pupils.

Over 13,700 registrations have been received for the two sets of entrance exams which will be held across the province this autumn.

Mr Ford wrote to DUP leader Peter Robinson, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, SDLP leader Mark Durkan and UUP leader Sir Reg Empey.

He said: “I am sure the public will be astounded that three of the parties I wrote to last Thursday have not responded on this vitally important issue. We have only heard from the DUP on this, and they have indicated they will take part in talks.

“The fact that we have heard nothing from the others may serve as an indication of the complacency that haunts this failing Executive.”

Alliance education spokesman Trevor Lunn said: “I am disappointed that the Ulster Unionists, SDLP and Sinn Fein have not been in contact to make arrangements for talks. Alliance took the initiative last Thursday and we will continue to keep the pressure on all parties to build a consensus to end the current transfer chaos.

“Some might say this illustrates the attitude that these three parties have about our future generation.

“Are they happy to maintain entrenched positions or will they come to the table in the spirit of co-operation?

“I applaud the Belfast Telegraph’s ongoing campaign and I hope the continued pressure can force these parties into action.

“The public will tolerate no more excuses on the issue of post-primary transfer as it potentially affects every child across Northern Ireland.”

Mr Lunn added that he planned to place an amendment to an Assembly motion to call for talks.

He said: “We are placing an amendment to a motion in the Assembly next week on grammar school entrance tests, which will reflect our thinking and the views expressed by the Belfast Telegraph campaign.”