Northern Ireland's controversial 11-plus transfer test could be scrapped within two years, it was confirmed today.
A major new blueprint launched today called for a fundamental reorganisation in the North’s education system.
Mr Gerry Burns, chairman of the Independent Review Body, said if accepted, it could mean that pupils currently in their fifth year at primary school would not have to sit the written tests.
Northern Ireland is one of only a few areas in the United Kingdom to retain the transfer test.
If the report is accepted, academic selection will be replaced by a new "Pupil Profile" system of continuous assessment.
The report, published after lengthy consultation with parents, teachers and young people, recommends the introduction of a new system of 20 "collegiates", where schools in a local area work closely together in partnerships.
Each collegiate will contain former secondary and grammar, denominational, non-denominational and integrated schools, with each establishment retaining its ethos, mission and autonomy.
The review group was set up in September 2000 by Education Minister Martin McGuinness to consider ways to reform the post primary system.
When he first stepped into office, the Sinn Féin minister, who failed the 11-plus himself, declared one of his main aims in office was to end the annual ordeal for children.
At more than 300 pages long, the report stresses the need for flexibility and for recognising pupils' qualities and attributes throughout their school career.
PA