The 'Save Dickson' campaign has been given new impetus after 31 Northern Ireland grammar schools defied Education Minister Caitroina Ruane and announced their intent to set their own examination to replace the 11-plus.
Upper Bann MLAs David Simpson MP and Stephen Moutray have stated that Mrs Ruane can take no legal recourse against the grammar schools - "nor can she do a thing if the schools within the Dickson Plan continue the excellent work in the plan that have served the Craigavon area for so long and so well".
And they are asking the seven local post-primary school principals involved in the Dickson Plan if they would like to attend another meeting with Mr Wilson to reinforce the campaign to protect the Dickson Plan.
The seven - from the junior and senior high schools - met with Mr Wilson three months ago and impressed upon him that the Dickson Plan, with no 11-plus but with selection at 14 - had the support of the entire community.
In a joint statement, the MLAs said,"The Education Minister has been forced to concede that, if no legal framework can be established, there will be neither laws nor regulations to prevent schools from using academic admissions criteria.
"This admission creates an opportunity upon which schools operating the Dickson Plan can capitalise. They can explore the possibility of moving ahead with their own system that can retain all the best elements of the Dickson Plan, including the part played by academic assessment."
Meanwhile, principals have emphasised that the selection element in the Dickson Plan - like the rest of the system - has the full support of parents.
Mrs Deborah O'Hare, head teacher at Portadown College, said, "First and foremost, the Dickson Plan is a community plan, involving all the school as a unit.
"The two senior schools - Portadown College and Craigavon Senior High - are not in competition for students from the junior highs. Students are selected, with the co-operation of schools, parents and the young people, into the school most suited for their aptitudes.
"Portadown College caters for the academic courses and Craigavon High for vocational courses and it serves the community well."
Mr Trevor Canning, headmaster at Clounagh Junior High School, mirrored this view. "The schools, in co-operation with everyone, give very careful thought to the selection process, and we have an appeals policy available to every student.
"We have not had a single appeal for years and this is proof that the system is working. The Dickson Plan has the support of the community and it has been adapted over the years to reflect the changes in education.
"Few people here want a return to selection at 11 by examination. The Dickson Plan has proved its worth over the past 40-or-so years."