Any attempt to undermine Northern Ireland's grammar school sector will be "vigorously opposed" by the Ulster Unionist Party, it emerged today.
Proposals contained in the Burns Report on Post Primary Educationwould undermine standards, while creating schooling by postcode, the party claimed in its response to the document.
Mr Danny Kennedy, the UUP chairman of the Assembly Education Committee, said existing standards of excellence in local grammar schools must not be compromised.
The Ulster Unionists have also argued for transfer based on pupil profile developed in primary schools, accommodating parental input, but with the final decision resting with the school on the basis of approved criteria.
This will include a standardised test, which will enable parents and pupils to ascertain a child's ability.
Another key recommendation of the UUP response is the proposal to introduce more technological and vocational education, while it is also proposed that all secondary schools be renamed as colleges, to help create parity of esteem.
"We support diversity among schools, since without diversity family choice becomes meaningless," Mr Kennedy, the Newry and Armagh MLA, said.
"Our view is that types of schools which are persistently over-subscribed should be quickly expanded to allow disappointed families to take up places in their preferred type of school.
"Our goal is that all schools should come to be viewed as equivalent in the value of education they provide. This must be done without damaging the ethos of successful existing schools, including the grammar schools, and any attempt to do so will be vigorously opposed by this party."
PA