THE post-primary transfer test organisation AQE has confirmed its test on Saturday, January 9, will go ahead as planned.
This is despite primary school pupils being taught remotely in the week from Monday, January 4, to Friday, January 8.
Two further AQE tests are then due to be held on January 16 and January 23.
The tests run by the PPTC organisation are due to take place on 30 January with a supplementary test on Saturday 6 February.
On Thursday, Education Minister Peter Weir announced a delayed return to school for many pupils.
The transfer tests are used by many grammar schools to select pupils, and about 8,000 children are due to sit the AQE tests.
However, some grammar schools have already outlined how they will admit pupils using “Covid-19 criteria” if transfer tests are cancelled.
In a statement on Friday, the board of AQE said they wanted “to provide further clarity to parents and candidates who are concerned about the potential impact of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic on the Common Entrance Assessment.”
The AQE board said a Department of Education (DE) letter to schools had stated that “external exams due to take place in January will be facilitated compliant with public health guidance.”
“Having considered the minister’s statement and the letter issued to schools, the board has decided to offer all three assessment sessions on the planned dates.”
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