SDLP leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood
Said the Foyle MP: “I welcome the decision by Thornhill College and St Columb’s College to suspend academic selection for this coming year.
“Along with schools in Newry and Belfast, they are showing strong leadership and putting the wellbeing of their pupils ahead of an archaic testing system.
“This move recognises the stress that pupils, families and the whole community have faced as a result of COVID-19.
“Children and young people are under immense pressure at the minute.
“There is no justifiable reason to make that worse. The lack of proper schooling over the last number of months will disadvantage pupils, particularly from low income families who cannot afford private tutoring.
“To continue with the tests in this context is fundamentally unjust.
“I understand that the action taken by these Derry schools is exceptional and will only apply to the forthcoming year.
“I hope, however, that this is the beginning of a process that will allow them to embrace alternative forms of selection in the best interests of our children.”
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