Transfer Procedure - Current Arrangements
The Transfer Procedure tests will continue up to and including the 2008 tests.
The purpose of the tests is to enable grammar schools to select pupils on the basis of ability or aptitude. Only grammar schools can take these factors into account by using the transfer procedure test grade in deciding which pupils to admit.
The current tests are based on the statutory curriculum in English, Mathematics and Science and Technology taught to the children in Key Stage The tests are also available in Irish for candidates attending Irish-Medium primary schools. Schools are advised in advance of those areas of the curriculum on which questions are likely to be based. There are two tests held in November each year and a supplementary test in December. Each test, which is held at the pupils’ own schools, lasts for one hour and has sections on English, Mathematics and Science and Technology.
The Council for Curriculum Examination and Assessment (CCEA) undertakes the detailed work on the tests on behalf of the Department, ie test development and trialing, organising the tests (in conjunction with the Boards), marking papers and issuing of grades to Education and Library Boards. The grade structure is as follows:
- Grade A - the top 25 percent
- Grade B1 - the next 5 percent
- Grade B2 - the next 5 percent
- Grade C1 - the next 5 percent
- Grade C2 - the next 5 percent
- Grade D - remainder
It should be noted that these percentages are based on the total transfer cohort (around 24,000 pupils) and not on the number of pupils taking the tests. About 30 percent of pupils opt out of the tests and transfer to secondary non-grammar schools.
Results issue in early February after which parents meet their primary school Principal and indicate their preferences of post-primary schools on a transfer form. This form is the basis of the Open Enrolment processes.
The Education Minister Caitríona Ruane made a statement to the Assembly on 4 December 2007 outlining her proposals on the future of the transfer arrangements. The Minister's statement and further related documents can be viewed using the links below:
Outlining a Vision for our Education system - Caitríona Ruane - 4 December 2007 PDF 53 KB
Department of Education News Release - 4 December 2007 - Minister Ruane Outlines Education Reforms
Education Minister's Statement for the Stormont Education Committee - 31 January 2008 PDF 48 KB
Education Minister's speech - Post-primary Transfer arrangements - 25 February 2008 PDF 35 KB
Education Minister's Statement to the Assembly on Area Based Planning - 4 March 2008 PDF 43 KB
Education Minister's speech to BELB conference: 14 May 2008 PDF 76 KB
Education Minister presents proposals to Executive colleagues PDF 31 KB
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