PROTESTANT BOYS are suffering significant under-achievement in schools and this must be challenged, the chairman of Northern Ireland's Equality Commission has warned.
Bob Collins told the commission's annual conference that Northern Ireland must work to rid itself of educational inequality.
"The particular focus of under-attainment of Protestant boys has long-term and significant implications for that community," he said.
"The consistent exclusion of many from the full benefits of education calls out for redress. The clear and consistent inequalities in terms of access and attainment for those whose lives are already challenged cannot be allowed to continue."
He also opposed making key schooling decisions at what he called "the tender age of 11".
"There is serious question, in the view of the Equality Commission, of the suitability or desirability or efficacy of making life choices too early in life," Mr Collins said.
"Choices there will have to be. Children with their parents will have to decide the course of their educational focus. But to do so at the tender age of 11 places a burden that such shoulders should not have to bear," he said.
His comments have added to the heated debate on education reforms being pushed by Stormont Minister Caitriona Ruane.
She said: "I plan to reform how our children transfer from primary to post-primary schools to remove the inequalities perpetuated by the current system."