Small rise in transfer test appeals

The number of people applying to appeal against school decisions in the transfer process has increased slightly.

The current academic year was the first that pupils sat independent tests set by grammar schools and some predicted widespread dissatisfaction.

However, there were 531 applications to appeal tribunals this year, just 16 more than the previous 12 months.

And the number for this year is down 50% on the number two years ago.

Parents had until Wednesday to lodge an intention to appeal with the education and library boards.

Not all of them are expected to go ahead with the tribunals.

It is understood a larger than usual number of parents have consulted the Parents' Advice Centre and the Children's Law Centre.