Over 100 people signed a Belfast Telegraph petition in just half-an-hour spent at the school gates at an east Belfast school.

Parents of pupils at Brooklands Primary in Dundonald showed strong support for the campaign which calls on our political leaders to sit down and sort out the ongoing school transfer crisis.

Donna Benson, whose daughter Tara is in P4 at the school, said: “The politicians definitely need to get the situation sorted out and do what they are getting paid for.”

Tim Dawson, whose son Callum is also in P4, said: “We are definitely concerned about what will be in place when Callum is in P7. I think the petition is a good idea.”

Elaine Crawford said: “At least you knew where you were with the 11-plus. It is amazing that we have got to this point where pupils have to sit tests in grammar schools on three Saturday mornings — talk about stress levels.”

Heather McCrory, mother of P7 pupil Shannon, said: “I think something should have been agreed properly before they did away with the 11-plus.”

Pauline McCune added her name. She said: “It’s ridiculous. No one really seems to know what is happening and the children’s futures are at stake.

“At least with the 11-plus the kids knew where they stood and had something to work towards and prepare for. Now they don’t know what they are doing, really.”

Doreen Stanfield’s son Curtis will be sitting the new transfer tests this year. She said: “It’s an absolute disgrace and it is such a young age for the kids to be put under such pressure.

“It’s really not fair and I think the people at the top are forgetting about the kids when they make decisions. At the end of the day, it is the kids that should be at the forefront of their minds.”

Mother of five Sharon Daayian said: “The current system is unfair, the kids don’t know if they’re coming or going.”

School principal David McCartney said: “I think the petition is a really good idea because it is the parents’ voices that we need to hear. My view as a principal and a parent is that the situation does need to be sorted out quickly.

“It is too late for our children in P7 but hopefully it could be sorted out for next year. At the centre of any discussions must be what is best for the children.

“Already our P5 parents are asking what is going to happen in two years’ time when their children are transferring. I have to say that I don’t know, the politicians do need to talk.

“To show the strength of feeling there is, I would urge other schools and parents to get involved with the petition.”

• You can add your name by signing the petitions printed in the Telegraph and below or by emailing your name and address to sortitout@belfasttelegraph.co.uk