§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many boys graded A, M and G, respectively, from controlled primary schools, maintained primary schools, and from the preparatory department of grammar schools in North Down have gained places in grammar schools under the 1981 transfer procedure; and whether he is satisfied that the system does not discriminate against children in controlled schools and in favour of pupils from the preparatory department of grammar schools.
§ Mr. John PattenThe information is given in the following table:
Grades Total School Management Type A M G Controlled Primary Schools 224 14 2 240 Maintained Primary Schools 26 10 1 37 Preparatory Departments: (1) Voluntary Grammar Schools 28 5 12 45 (2) Controlled Grammar Schools 4 — — 4 These figures relate to the primary schools/preparatory departments within the North Down/Ards council areas.
There is one transfer procedure for all pupils transferring from primary to secondary education in Northern Ireland in September 1981. Its terms were set out in the circular issued by the Department of Education to all school authorities on 29 August. They apply equally to all pupils regardless of the type of management of the schools they attend.