GRAMMAR SCHOOLS IN NORTHERN IRELAND

That this House applauds the continuing excellence of the education system in Northern Ireland, which consistently produces higher academic standards than the rest of the United Kingdom; believes that this success is due in large part to the continued existence of the grammar school system; deplores the dogmatic determination of the Government and the former education ministers in Northern Ireland to abolish this system against the wishes of parents and teachers; and calls upon the Government and the next education minister in Northern Ireland to ensure that the present ethos, structure and standards of education in Northern Ireland are preserved.