11-Plus, could be abolished this year if parents agree to a recently-announced proposal.

The proposal, made by a committee of representatives from the Amalgamated Bermuda Union of Teachers, the Association of School Principals, and education officers, gives parents the choice of having their children sit two entrance exams designed separately by Berkeley Institute and Warwick Academy or attending the secondary school closest to their home.

And yesterday, Education Minister the Hon. Gerald Simons said he anticipated that parents would be pleased with the plan.

Mr. Simons, who recently came under heavy criticism for delaying major education reforms including the abolition of the 11-Plus exam, called the proposal "the best that the committee could offer.'' The ABUT, ASP, and Progressive Labour Party, for years, have been calling for the abolishment of the 11-Plus transfer exam which they believe labels students, particularly boys, too early.

And the National PTA recently released a survey showing that many parents wanted the school system to get rid of the exam which is the main determinant in placing Primary Seven students in secondary schools.

In response to these concerns, Mr. Simons appointed the committee which made the proposal.

"I think the proposal offers an opportunity to make a significant change in the system,'' he said. "But before putting it into effect, I want to discuss the pros and cons with parents.'' When contacted yesterday, Shadow Education Minister Miss Jennifer Smith said: "If this is the best that the Minister can do and if parents and teachers are happy with it, then so be it. But I do not believe that this is the best that can be done. I have a fear that this still leaves a separation between two groups, those who pass the exam and those who don't.'' Miss Smith, however, praised the National PTA and parents, the ABUT, and ASP for "having kept the pressure on'' the Minister to abolish the transfer exam.

Mr. Simons and education officers are scheduled to meet with the National PTA's executive committee and parents of Primary Five and Six students between Wednesday and next Thursday.

He said a final decision on the proposal would be announced shortly after.