HC Deb 15 June 1998 vol 314 cc4-5W
Mr. Beggs

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will permit secondary schools which have adequate accommodation and appropriate staffing to provide a grammar school stream in their intake for pupils deemed suitable for a grammar school place in the transfer procedure; and if she will make a statement. [44972]

Mr. Worthington

Any Development Proposals for the creation of grammar streams at secondary schools will be considered on their merits, taking account of the evidence of parental views on the choices available to them at local level, and the implications for educational standards, for efficiency in the use of public expenditure, and for equality of opportunity of access to grammar schools places.

The Government have just launched a major research project on the effects of the selective system on secondary education in Northern Ireland, so that debate on all aspects of the system, and consideration of possible changes to it, can be based on better information and understanding of the present system.

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