SINN Féin MLA Karen Mullan has said the decision by private exam body AQE to persist with plans to hold a transfer test in February is outrageous and indefensible.
On Tuesday morning, AQE said it had decided to cancel the transfer tests for children in primary schools because of the ongoing pandemic.
But at teatime, AQE issued a statement that it would now hold one test on Saturday, February 27.
The decision has provoked a wave of revulsion from politicians and parents.
Said the Foyle MLA: “This plan by AQE to persist with plans to hold a transfer test in February is outrageous and indefensible.
“It displays an utter lack of empathy and understanding of the huge stresses and anxieties facing children at this time as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and compounds them.
“Clearly this private company is putting its own commercial concerns over the needs of children by this callous and disgraceful decision.
“I am calling on the Education Minister to put children first and ensure the department is not involved in facilitating this test or adapting the already-set admissions process.”
However, the Education Minister says he has no powers to stop private transfer tests.
