HC Deb 24 June 2003 vol 407 cc715-6W
Kate Hoey

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what criteria were used to select the members of the working group on the way forward on post-primary education; and how many members on that group are drawn from organisations that are on record as opposing (a) academic selection and (b) oppose academic selection at age 11. [120658]

Jane Kennedy

The membership of the Post-Primary Review Working Group has been drawn from the main education interests and managing authorities that will be responsible for the development and implementation of future arrangements. The members were chosen on the basis of the range and depth of their knowledge and experience of the education system in Northern Ireland and include four former or practicing principals and a deputy director of a Further Education College. The individuals have been invited to participate on the group in a personal capacity and not as representatives of particular organisations. The views of all organisations that responded to the Burns Consultation are set out in the report published by my Department in October 2002, a copy of which has been placed in the Library.

Mr. Hunter

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what criteria were taken into consideration when appointing members of the working group on post-primary education in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement; [120701]

(2) how many members of the working group on post-primary education in Northern Ireland represent organisations which oppose academic selection (a) in principle and (b) at age 11; and if he will make a statement; [120702]

(3) how many members of the working group on post-primary education in Northern Ireland represent organisations which support academic selection; and if he will make a statement. [120703]

Jane Kennedy

The membership of the Post-Primary Review Working Group has been drawn from the main education interests and managing authorities that will be responsible for the development and implementation of future arrangements. The members were chosen because of the range and depth of their knowledge and experience of the education system in Northern Ireland and include four former or practicing principals and a Deputy Director of a Further Education College. The individuals have been invited to participate on the group in a personal capacity and not as representatives of particular organisations. The views of all organisations that responded to the Burns Consultation are set out in the report published by my Department in October 2002, a copy of which has been placed in the Library.

Lady Hermon

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions he has had with grammar school principals regarding the membership of the Post-Primary Review Working Group; and if he will make a statement. [120886]

Jane Kennedy

The Governing Bodies Association, which represents Voluntary Grammar Schools, was asked to submit names for consideration and a member was invited to serve on the Working Group from the names provided. Members were chosen on the basis of the range and depth of their experience and knowledge of the education system in Northern Ireland and include four practising or former school principals and one deputy director of an FE College.