SDLP leader Colum Eastwood and his deputy Nicola Mallon
Said the Foyle MP: “Earlier this week, I was deeply distressed to learn that AQE were not planning to cancel the transfer test and intend to reschedule it for weeks later.
“This is an unacceptable decision which has left many children and their parents absolutely floored.
“We are in the middle of an unprecedented public health crisis and it is unacceptable that the only students or pupils now expected to take exams as normal are ten and eleven year old children.
“Today, we have written to AQE, pleading with them to recognise the duty of care they have to children and cancel the planned exam.
“Given the fact children will be out of school for at least six weeks during the current phase of restrictions, it is immoral and deeply unfair to proceed with this exam.
“The impact of this decision on the mental health of our children is immense. Today the Independent SAGE group joined with the Mental Health Champion and the Children’s Commissioner and called for these exams to be cancelled.
“All other exams; GL, GCSE and A Level, have been cancelled in recognition of the public health emergency and the significant disruption to their education that pupils have endured for almost a year.
“AQE must do the right thing and cancel their planned test without delay.”
Tags: