The issue of the 11+ has led to fierce debate and divided opinion across Northern Ireland on the merits and fairness of academic selection. It’s a debate that has dominated the news in Northern Ireland for a number of years and which has also led to uncertainly about the future of our education system among parents, teachers and pupils.

Now, in a lively and refreshing approach to the 11+ debate, THE SCHOOL REPORT follows two experts with strong and opposing views on our education system as they visit a range of schools across Northern Ireland – Chris Woodhead, the former and controversial Chief Inspector of Schools who is firmly pro-selection, and the outspoken education campaigner Fiona Millar, a passionate believer in the comprehensive school system and once the adviser to Cherie Blair.

Coming from outside Northern Ireland, in this programme Chris and Fiona side-step the political fallout that has surrounded the debate over the 11+ and set out together on a lively and informative journey – one in which they take a look at the current education system in Northern Ireland through fresh eyes. As they do so Chris and Fiona talk not only to parents, teachers and to the Minister for Education, but to those at the very heart of this hotly-contested debate – the children themselves.

In addition to Chris and Fiona’s intriguing journey, THE SCHOOL REPORT provides an insight into the experiences of four children from local schools as they sit the last 11+ exam to be held in Northern Ireland – and then wait anxiously for their results.

THE SCHOOL REPORT

A DoubleBand production for BBC Northern Ireland.

Executive Producer – Diarmuid Lavery

Produced by Leona Coulter

Directed by Michael Hewitt