Guernsey 11 plus selection exams reduced from seven to two

Deputy Sillars said changes to the 11 plus would not affect standards

The number of exams taken for the 11 plus school selection test in Guernsey has been cut from seven to two.

Deputy Robert Sillars, the States of Guernsey's Education Minister, said the move would reduce the stress children had experienced as a result of the selection test.

He said he was confident academic standards would not be compromised as a result of the change.

The new system will begin in the 2012/2013 academic year.

Deputy Sillars also said a detailed review of the island's school system would take place later in 2012.

He said the Education Department wanted to determine whether the island would benefit from a comprehensive school system.

He said the review would give islanders the opportunity to voice their views on the 11 plus system.

Guernsey's 11 plus system received criticism in both the Mulkerrin Review of Secondary Education and the Review of Primary Education, both of which took place earlier in 2012.

A public consultation on the 11 plus was carried out in May, and received more than 900 responses.

Deputy Sillars said a range of responses were received, and the changes to the 11 plus exams had been based on the opinions expressed.