15,000 children sit last 11-plus

The second part of the test will be in two weeks' time

More than 15,000 children across Northern Ireland have sat the first part of the last 11-plus.

This was the last year of the controversial test for primary sevens.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions published a newspaper advert to coincide with Friday's exam, calling for an end to academic election at 11.

Earlier this week, the four main churches in Northern Ireland announced a joint plan to help end the 11-plus stalemate.

The Church of Ireland, Catholic, Methodist and Presbyterian churches said pupil transfer at 14 instead of 11 years was a "workable proposal".

Education Minister Caitr�ona Ruane, who is behind controversial plans to end academic tests for primary sevens, said it was a "helpful intervention".

Politicians, parents and teachers have complained that there is still no concrete plan as to what will replace the 11-plus.

The second part of the last 11-plus will take place on Friday 21 November.

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