FUTURE OF THE 11 PLUS IN ENGLAND AND NORTHERN IRELAND

Early day motion 481, tabled 27 November 2001 by David Chaytor (Labour). Signed by 80 members.

That this House welcomes the publication by the Northern Ireland Assembly of the Burns Report, including the recommendation that the 11 plus examination be abolished in Northern Ireland; further welcomes the publication by the Department for Education and Skills of 'Delivering Results; A Strategy to 2006', and its commitment to a society that is 'inclusive; creating opportunities and removing barriers to ensure that everyone can fulfil their potential'; notes that the Government's current consultation document on school admissions procedures makes no proposals in respect of selective admissions systems; further notes the continuation of selective systems, in part or totally, in at least 36 English local education authorities; recognises that the overwhelming majority of local education authorities and individual schools have, over more than a quarter of a century, rejected selection by ability as a basis for establishing equality of educational opportunity; is concerned about the relationship between segregated systems of secondary schooling and levels of social exclusion and instability; and therefore calls on the Government to review the legislation governing selective admissions systems.

Signatures by party: Labour 62, Liberal Democrat 11, Plaid Cymru 4, Labour/Co-operative 3.