NI grammar schools cancel selection test as ministers clash

Grammar schools in Belfast and Co Tyrone have been praised for announcing they will not use the transfer test this year for their Year 8 intake.

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Subscribe              Jan 8, 2021           Good evening,   There is a sense of deja vu today with the start of extra lockdown restrictions which mean we must all stay at home for all but essential reasons.   The dark and bitterly cold nights are a stark contrast to the long and bright evenings of the first lockdown and serve as a chilling reminder that each of us has a vital part to play in helping to keep our families and communities safe.   If you're still not sure what you can and cannot do, check out the guide we published yesterday ahead of the start of today's restrictions.  Hopefully you will find it useful.   The winter days are slowly starting to lengthen ever so slightly now and we can take hope in today's news that a third Covid-19 vaccine has been approved for use.    Likewise, Magherafelt man Hazlett Lynch has been reflecting on the pandemic from a Christian perspective and has written a book which he trusts will bring encouragement in these difficult times.   Enjoy your weekend and keep safe.   Valerie Martin, Head of Content.     * Why not start off the New Year with a digital subscription to have unlimited access to the work of our top journalists, thought-provoking columnists and exclusive content from as little as £1 a month? Check out your subscription options here.   We also have a special offer for you - 21% off all our monthly or annual subscription packages - when you use the code 21NEWYEAR between now and Sunday, January 17.            NI grammar schools cancel selection test as ministers clash           Grammar schools in Belfast and Co Tyrone have been praised for announcing they will not use the transfer test this year for their Year 8 intake.                 NI Covid-19 death-toll surges to 1,414 as 20 people die in 24 hours   The Department of Health (DoH) has reported 20 Covid-19 related deaths in Northern Ireland in the 24 hours to 10.00am on Friday morning.           Shock as more than 200 died in NI with Covid-19 over Christmas   More than 200 people died with Covid-19 over the Christmas period in Northern Ireland, official statistics show.           Dr William Kitchen: Here is a plan to hold transfer tests safely in this pandemic year   On 6th January, Lagan Valley MLA, Robbie Butler proposed an alternative to the AQE administered tests for the purposes of admitting pupils to selective Grammars on the basis of academic merit.           You can ask to be put on furlough under certain circumstances - the rules explained   If you have a vulnerable person or children at home, you may be able to request furlough from your employer.           Pfizer says vaccine protects against new Covid-19 mutant strains spreading across the UK   The Covid-19 vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech can effectively protect against mutant strains of the virus, new research suggests.           Mottled skin could be a sign of Covid in babies - everything parents need to know   A mother has shared her experience on social media to warn others, after her baby developed unusual symptoms of Covid-19.           Moderna Covid vaccine granted approval for use in the UK - what you need to know   A third Covid-19 vaccine has been approved for use in the UK today (8 January), the Department for Health has announced.           Northern Ireland to require Covid-19 pre-departure testing for arrivals   Northern Ireland is to require incoming travellers to undertake pre-departure testing for Covid-19.           Two arthritis drugs could help save coronavirus patients who are severely ill - the science explained   Research has discovered that two drugs usually used to treat rheumatoid arthritis could help save the lives of those with severe cases of coronavirus.           NatWest issues urgent warning over fake Covid and delivery scams - what to look out for   NatWest has issued an urgent scam warning after fraudsters have attempted to steal customers' personal and financial information.                 View more news

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