Is academic selection in Northern Ireland a barrier to social cohesion?

Northern Ireland has a deeply divided education system with demarcation most notable along ethno/religious and social class lines. The former is largely attributable to the historical organisation of schools estate based on religion, latter associated academic selection that filters children into grammar non-selective post-primary according their performance in tests taken during final year primary school. Academic selection, school underpins it, come under some considerable scrutiny, much research evidence pointing negative relationship between selective equality opportunity education. suitability this transitioning society become more ethnically diverse post-conflict years has, however, received less attention. Drawing cohesion theory, we reflect argue cross-community interests animating it not only perpetuate inequalities within respective communities but may also present significant barrier peacebuilding efforts education, ultimately impede progress towards socially cohesive society.