The worst of both

Catriona Ruane is considering the use of a transfer test as an interim measure with a steadily reducing proportion of Grammar school intake based on the test. If true, this proposal manages to combine the worst of both the present and proposed system, a test based on proportions rather than passing grade plus selection by postcode. It would appear to me to fall into the trap that Unionists so often fell into in the past, get together those of a like-mind to think what a compromise would be before presenting it to opponents. As an approach it generally fell flat on its face. UPDATE: The SDLP has condemned the notion as a climbdown by Sinn Fein, a theme that the SDLP have been pushing lately (see Dolores Kelly comments).

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