A new educational initiative in Belfast is set to provide free transfer test tuition for children from low-income families. The Foodstock Education and Empowerment Centre aims to improve educational outcomes for those from disadvantaged backgrounds by offering complimentary high-quality tuition and wellbeing support for primary school pupils in years six and seven.
The launch of the centre was attended by former world champion boxer Carl Frampton, who expressed his support. Frampton noted the stress associated with transfer tests, acknowledging that while he has financial stability, many families do not. He emphasized the center’s role in providing opportunities for children who may have the ability but require additional support.
The Foodstock centre will offer small group tuition in subjects like English, Maths, and reasoning to prepare children for the Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group (SEAG) tests, utilized by more than 60 post-primary schools across Northern Ireland for admissions into year eight. A 2022 study from Queen’s University indicated that academic selection exacerbates societal divisions and disadvantages already marginalized groups.
Paul Doherty, founder of Foodstock and deputy lord mayor of Belfast, highlighted the centre’s goal of alleviating long-term poverty impacts through education. He remarked on the financial barriers that prevent some families from accessing additional tuition, which often is critical for success in transfer tests.
The programme will focus on pupils from high deprivation areas and provide individualized support for those facing specific challenges. Foodstock asserts that private tuition significantly increases the likelihood of attending grammar school, yet financial barriers hinder disadvantaged children from accessing these opportunities. The centre aims to “level the playing field” across Belfast by serving all communities.
Ciaran Toman, Foodstock’s director of strategy, reinforced the vision of the centre as a means to ensure that children’s abilities dictate their opportunities, rather than their backgrounds.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj6ny7wgzrlo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss