Education in Northern Ireland - Eleven Plus

Eleven Plus

Northern Ireland does not operate with the transfer test (formerly the Eleven Plus) any more. This follows a decision by Caitríona Ruane, the Minister for Education. A movement for reform was successful in doing away with the transfer test; however, the majority of grammar schools have decided to set their own entrance exams. There are two types in Northern Ireland - AQE and GL assessment. The majority of people in Northern Ireland would prefer the traditional transfer test back, as they believe the new system, which involves children taking multiple entrance exams as opposed to a single test, puts added pressure on young students.