Ruane to announce compromise over 11-plus exam

The North's Education Minister is believed to be on the verge of announcing a compromise over abolishing academic selection for all children aged 11.

Sinn Féin's Catriona Ruane has been planning to abolish the 11-plus exam, which decides which school a child will go to.

The move is supported by the Catholic Church and most of the teaching unions.

However, it has met with strong opposition from the two main unionist parties in the North, as well as some of the elite grammar schools that attract top students.

Ms Ruane is now expected to announce that a form of testing for 11-year-olds will continue for three years, but will be gradually phased out.

The SDLP is accusing her of caving in to unionist demands, but Sinn Féin says the compromise is a clear way forward.