Loreto and Christian Brothers’ to discontinue use of academic selection

Education Minister, Peter Weir, has approved Development Proposals to discontinue academic selection at Loreto Grammar School and Christian Brothers’ Grammar School, Omagh.

The decisions will be implemented on a phased basis, beginning September 2017 or as soon as possible thereafter, discontinuing the use of academic selection for Year 8 intake at both schools.

Commenting on his decision the Minister said:

“My Department has considered the proposals in depth, and examined their permutations and impacts on the wider area.  These proposals were instigated by the school management of Loreto Grammar School and Christian Brothers’ Grammar School and are very confident there will be no significant changes to their respective pupil numbers for Year 8 intakes."

In conclusion the Minister said:

“I have been open in my stance on academic selection but have also clearly shown my support for giving schools greater choice. So whilst Departmental policy is supportive of academic selection, I respect the right of schools and managing authorities to use their freedom to choose not to use it as a means of selection as illustrated by my decision here.”

Notes to editors: 

1. On 16 March 2016 the Education Authority (EA) published:

• DP 458 - on behalf of the Edmund Rice School Trust (ERST). The DP proposes to discontinue academic selection by the Christian Brothers Grammar School (GS) for its Year 8 intake, on a phased basis, beginning September 2017 or as soon as possible thereafter, with a view that the school will have a totally non-academically selective intake by September 2020, or as soon as possible thereafter.
• DP 459 - on behalf of the Trustees of Loreto Education Trust. The DP proposes to discontinue academic selection by the Loreto GS for its Year 8 intake, on a phased basis, beginning September 2017 or as soon as possible thereafter, with a view that the school will have a totally non-academically selective intake by September 2020, or as soon as possible thereafter.

2. The statutory two-month objection period ended on 16 May 2016.

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