Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan has said the latest evidence on the damaging impact of academic selection on children further strengthens calls for the policy to be scrapped. 

The party’s education spokesperson was commenting after research from Ulster University found academic selection to be ‘traumatic’ for children.

Pat Sheehan said:

“Fresh research from Ulster University has again highlighted the cruel and traumatic impact on academic selection on children.

“Academic selection is unfair and unnecessary, it should be scrapped.

“The overwhelming evidence from human rights organisations, the Children’s Commissioner, trade unions and churches are clearly pitted against selection and its damaging impact on children.

“In light of this latest study, school Boards of Governors should now show leadership in favour of building an inclusive and non-selective education system for the benefit of all our young people.”