SDLP Education Spokesperson Daniel McCrossan has said clarity around exams for the next school year will be a welcome relief for students, parents and teachers.

He was speaking after the Department of Education outlined the arrangements for CCEA qualifications.

Mr McCrossan said it was welcome a decision had been taken ahead of the new school year and not left to the last minute as it has been previously.

West Tyrone MLA Mr McCrossan said:

“Given the previous turmoil that our schools and students have been thrown into by a lack of clarity and planning from the then Education Minister and the department it is extremely welcome that they will not have to go through a similar ordeal next year. This clarity will allow teachers and students to return to school at the start of term knowing exactly what will await them in the year ahead and I’m glad it echoes the approach adopted in Scotland and Wales who were ahead of us on these issues for much of the pandemic.

“I also welcome the extra financial support that will be provided to schools to help prepare pupils for the upcoming examinations. It’s important that no student is disadvantaged as a result of the unique circumstances caused by the coronavirus pandemic and this funding will go some way to addressing that imbalance.

“I will be speaking to teachers, students, parents and unions in the coming weeks to make sure this advice is fit for purpose, but I appreciate that Minister McIlveen has progressed the approach from that of her predecessor, who left the SDLP with no choice but to twice recall the Assembly due to their refusal to deal with the issues impacting schools and students during the pandemic, including the way in which exam grades were determined.”