Down High School Downpatrick Information

🏫 Down High School, Downpatrick – SEAG Practice Papers with Video Explanations

SEAG Practice Test Pack 1

£35.00

• 4 High Quality Practice Tests.
• 4 x English & Maths Papers
• Video Solutions for all Questions!
• 12 Hours of Video Content.
• 224 Video Explanations.

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SEAG Practice Test Pack 2

£35.00

• 4 High Quality Practice Tests.
• 4 x English & Maths Papers
• Video Solutions for all Questions!
• 9 Hours of Video Content.
• 224 Video Explanations.

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SEAG Practice Test Pack 3

£35.00

• 4 High Quality Practice Tests.
• 4 x English & Maths Papers
• Video Solutions for all Questions!
• 9.5 Hours of Video Content.
• 224 Video Explanations.

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SEAG Practice Tests – Multi-Pack Bundle

£85.00

• 12 High Quality Practice Tests.
• 12 x English & Maths Papers
• Video Solutions for all Questions!
• 30.5 Hours of Video Content.
• 672 Video Explanations.

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Voluntary Grammar School | Co-educational | Downpatrick, Co. Down | Ages 11–18

📚 History of Down High School

Down High School was founded in 1933 and is one of the most well-regarded co-educational grammar schools in County Down. Situated in the historic town of Downpatrick, it has grown in size and stature over the decades, known for delivering high academic standards and developing well-rounded students.

The school is currently located on Mount Crescent, but construction is underway for a new, purpose-built school campus on the Strangford Road, expected to enhance facilities significantly in coming years.

Rooted in traditional grammar school values, Down High combines academic success with a caring ethos and inclusive Christian environment. Its motto is “Veritas, Virtus, Libertas” – Truth, Virtue, Freedom.

👨‍🎓 Pupil Numbers & School Structure

• Total Pupils: ~850

• Year 8 Intake: ~130 pupils

• Sixth Form: ~200+ students

• Gender: Co-educational

• Age Range: 11–18

• School Type: Voluntary Grammar School

• Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational (inclusive Christian ethos)

🎓 Academic Reputation

Down High is consistently ranked among the top-performing grammar schools in Northern Ireland, especially within the South Eastern Education region. The school maintains a strong academic profile across STEM, Humanities, Languages, and the Arts.

✅ Academic Strengths:

• High performance in English, Sciences, Maths, Modern Languages, and Geography

• Strong A-Level support for careers in Medicine, Law, Finance, and Engineering

• Excellent progression to Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, and Russell Group universities

📊 Academic Performance:

• GCSEs:

  • ~100% of pupils achieve 5+ GCSEs at A–C*, including English and Maths

  • ~90%+ of GCSE grades typically at A–B*

• A-Levels:

  • ~85–90% of grades at A–C*

  • Students regularly gain places in highly competitive university programmes

🏆 Awards & Recognition

• Highly rated by ETI (Education & Training Inspectorate) for:

  • Quality of teaching

  • Academic outcomes

  • Leadership and pupil support

• Winner/finalist in:

  • Young Enterprise NI

  • UK Maths Challenge and Physics Olympiads

  • European Youth Parliament and Bar Mock Trial Competitions

• Notable sporting success in:

  • Ulster Schools’ Rugby

  • Netball, hockey, and athletics

• Recognised Eco-Schools participant and active in charity and social outreach

🏫 Down High School – Contact Information

School Name: Down High School
Type: Co-educational Voluntary Grammar School (Ages 11–18)
Location: Downpatrick, County Down, Northern Ireland

📍 Address:

Down High School
Mount Crescent
Downpatrick
County Down
BT30 6EU
Northern Ireland
United Kingdom

☎️ Telephone:

+44 (0)28 4461 2103

📧 Email:

info@downhigh.downpatrick.ni.sch.uk

🌐 Website:

https://www.downhighschool.org.uk

📱 Social Media:

• Facebook: Down High School

• Twitter/X: @DownHighSchool

SEAG Score Needed to get into Down High School Downpatrick

Below is historical scores for Down High School Downpatrick from 2023 to 2014.

2023 Lowest Grade – AQE – 98
2022 Lowest Grade – AQE – 94
2021 N/A
2020 Lowest Grade – AQE – 94
2019 Lowest Grade – AQE – 99
2018 Lowest Grade – AQE – 97
2017 Lowest Grade – AQE – 77
2016 Lowest Grade – AQE – 100
2015 Lowest Grade – AQE – 98
2014 Lowest Grade – AQE – 101

As you can see from the above stats 99 score in AQE test, in most years will have got you into Down High School Downpatrick. The highest score needed was 101 in 2014 for AQE and lowest score was 77 in 2017.
A 101 score in old AQE test is equivalent to 195 in new SEAG test, so based on past intake a minimum score of 195+ in SEAG test would give your child a very high chance of getting accepted into Down High School Downpatrick.

SEAG Comparison with historical AQE and PPTC outcomes:

*This is the minimum cohort percentile needed for that Band

Two examples:
A SEAG TSAS of 215 would be “equivalent” to a PPTC SAS of about 242 or an AQE SAS of about 109. A SEAG TSAS of 185 would be “equivalent” to a PPTC SAS of about 220 or an AQE SAS of about 94.

How to Use ExamTutor SEAG Transfer Test Practice Papers (with Video Explanations) to Achieve High Scores for Down High School Downpatrick

Preparing for the SEAG Transfer Test effectively is crucial to securing a place at highly competitive grammar schools like Down High School Downpatrick. To secure a place, students must achieve a high score in the SEAG Transfer Test. ExamTutor’s SEAG Practice Test Papers with Video Explanations provide a structured and effective way to prepare, ensuring students are fully familiar with the question types and exam format used in the 11+ entrance exam.

How ExamTutor SEAG Practice Papers with Video Explanations Help Students Succeed

1. Mirrors the SEAG Transfer Test Format

ExamTutor’s practice papers mirror the GL Assessment SEAG test format, covering:
📌 English – Reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
📌 Mathematics – Numerical reasoning, arithmetic, and problem-solving.

✔ By practicing with ExamTutor papers, students become familiar with the structure and content of the SEAG entrance exam, improving confidence and performance.

2. Identify Weak Areas & Improve Performance with a Structured Study Plan

A structured study plan is essential for SEAG Transfer Test success. Our practice papers:
✔ Help identify weaker subjects at the earliest stage.
✔ Allow students to focus on specific question types where they struggle.
✔ Include detailed answer explanations so students understand their mistakes and improve.

📌 Tip: Encourage your child to take regular timed practice tests to build exam stamina and confidence.

3. Boost Confidence with Video Explanations

Some SEAG transfer Test question types can be challenging for students. Our tutor-led video explanations:
🎥 Break down complex questions step by step
🎥 Teach proven problem-solving techniques
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🎥 Help students reinforce learning and build confidence

How to Use Video Explanations Effectively:

✅ Review incorrect answers with video solutions – Identify and correct mistakes early.
✅ Take notes on key strategies – Record important problem-solving techniques for future reference.
✅ Rewatch explanations for difficult topics – Reinforce learning by revisiting challenging areas.

✔ Video explanations ensure students fully understand concepts rather than just memorising answers.

4. Develop Strong Time Management & Exam Techniques

Success in the SEAG entrance exam isn’t just about knowledge—it’s also about:
✔ Time management – Completing questions quickly and accurately under exam conditions.
✔ Skipping tricky questions – Avoid wasting time on difficult questions and returning to them later.
✔ Eliminating wrong answers – Using logical reasoning to improve accuracy.

📌 Tip: Regular timed practice with ExamTutor tests ensures students develop these key exam skills.

5. Build Confidence Before the Big Day

Confidence is crucial for success in the SEAG exam. Our practice tests help by:
✔ Simulating real exam conditions – So students know exactly what to expect.
✔ Providing motivation through measurable improvement.

📌 Tip: Encourage your child to review their mistakes using our detailed video explanations to turn weaknesses into strengths.

Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for SEAG transfer test Preparation?

✔ SEAG GL Assessment-style practice papers covering all tested subjects.
✔ Video explanations for step-by-step learning.
✔ Used successfully by thousands of students every year.

How to Get Started with ExamTutor Practice Papers

1️⃣ Take a practice test – Identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
2️⃣ Create a study plan – Focus on weaker areas while reinforcing strengths.
3️⃣ Practice regularly – Use ExamTutor timed papers to simulate real exam conditions.
4️⃣ Review mistakes using video explanations – Learn from errors and improve.
5️⃣ Track progress – Monitor scores over time to ensure continuous improvement.

📌 Tip: Start preparing at least 6–12 months before the exam to allow enough time for practice and improvement.

Down High School Downpatrick entry is highly competitive, but ExamTutor SEAG Practice Papers with Video Explanations provide a powerful tool to maximise your child’s success.

By mirroring the SEAG test format, identifying weak areas, improving time management, and building confidence, our practice tests give students the best chance of securing a high score and gaining admission to Down High School Downpatrick.

Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for Down High School Downpatrick Preparation?

✔ SEAG style practice papers covering all tested subjects.
✔ Video explanations for step-by-step learning.
✔ Used successfully by thousands of pupils every year.

Achieving a high SEAG score for Down High School Downpatrick is very possible with the right strategy and tools. With ExamTutor’s exam-style papers and video explanations, you get both practice and expert guidance — exactly what’s needed to turn mistakes into mastery.

📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to SEAG success! 🚀

📋 Admissions Criteria

If applications exceed available places (~130), the school applies the following criteria:

1. SEAG test result – ranked by score

2. Siblings of current or former pupils

3. Children of staff

4. Pupils from named contributory primary schools

5. Proximity to the school (used as a tie-breaker)

✅ Special Circumstances (e.g. illness, SEN, newcomers to Northern Ireland) are considered with supporting evidence.

📅 Admissions Timeline

SEAG Exam Information for ‘Down High School Downpatrick’.

The SEAG Group’ consists of 63 Grammar Schools in Northern Ireland that use academic selection for all or part of their Year 8 intake. The SEAG 2024 Entrance Assessment is for pupils who will be transferring to post primary schools and whose parents may be considering a place at a SEAG school for their child. Down High School Downpatrick is a SEAG School. Down High School Downpatrick will use the results from the SEAG Test to determine who gets offered a place at the school.

SEAG Registration and Exam Details
Parents can register their child at the SEAG website at the following address. SEAG (seagni.co.uk).The SEAG Entrance Assessment consists of two papers. Both papers assess English and Mathematics and both have an identical format consisting of three Sections:

1st Section – The Practice Test Section
This section contains 5 English followed by 5 Maths questions. These questions are designed to help pupils settle before the Main Test begins. The Practice Test is not assessed or timed.
2nd Section – English Main Test.
The English section of the paper consists of 28 questions (Q1-Q28) and is broken down into 4 sections:
1) “Punctuation Exercise” containing 5 multiple choice questions.
2) “Grammar Exercise” 5 multiple choice questions.
3) “Spelling Exercise” with 5 multiple choice questions.
4) Comprehension”. Contains a passage and are then asked 13 questions on the passage; 7 of these are multiple choice (Q16-Q22). The final 6 questions (Q23-Q28) are described as “free response”; the pupil writes the answer to each in the space provided in the Answer Sheet.
3rd Section – Maths Main Test.
The Maths section also has 28 questions (Q29-Q56) and is broken down into 2 sections:
1) The first 22 Maths questions (Q29-Q50) are multiple choice questions.
2) The final 6 Maths questions (Q51-Q56) are described as “free response”. For each of these questions the pupil works out the correct answer and writes the answer in the space provided in the Answer Sheet.
Pupils will have 60 minutes to answer the 56 Main Test questions.
They can choose to start with the English questions or with the Maths questions.
Each of the multiple choice questions has 5 possible answers.

Admissions Criteria for Down High School Downpatrick

Most Northern Ireland Grammar Schools are now using the SEAG Entrance Assessment instead of Transfer Test AQE or PPTC/GL Assessment. As part of their admissions criteria each school uses slightly different criteria versions for admissions. The vast majority of schools will have SEAG Band one as 1st criteria which means you need to score 206+ in the SEAG Entrance Assessment Test. If you don’t get band one then you will not be guaranteed a grammar school place in any school in Northern Ireland.
After criteria one, criteria two can vary depending on Grammar School. The majority of Grammar Schools 2nd criteria will be if a family member currently or in some cases has attended the school, other schools will go straight to SEAG TSAS scores. The main key point to note is that you need to aim for band one which is 206 in SEAG Entrance Assessment for the vast majority of Grammar Schools in Northern Ireland. Another key point is school preference, most schools don’t stipulate they have to be number one preference on the SEAG Application form to be considered for a place at their school. So, if you put down a Grammar School as 1st preference and don’t get the grade to get in, as long as your 2nd choice school doesn’t stipulate their school has to be 1st preference then it’s the same as putting the 2nd school down 1st on the SEAG application form.
Our advice is to read the Grammar School criteria carefully and know what your child needs to achieve to gain entry as a lot of parents get confused over the criteria. We keep an up-to-date database of past Transfer Test and SEAG scores you need to gain entry to all Grammar Schools in Northern Ireland.
Our SEAG products at bottom of the page are proven resources to give you child the best chance of getting a high score in SEAG, our Practice Test Papers with video explanations are a great starting point for the SEAG Exam. Our online and live tutor bootcamps are a great alternative to an expensive tutor and our mock exams are a great way to find out what level your child is currently at compared to other children who have taken our mock exams in the same area. Our mock exams will be pitched at examination level difficulty so you have an exact understanding of the level your child needs to aim for. Below is the criteria for this Grammar School. If you have any questions please contact us:
When considering which children should be selected for admission, the Board of Governors will only take into account information which is detailed on or uploaded with the Transfer Application, and the TSAS awarded by SEAG as set in the Statement of Outcome (or the score assigned by it as a result of consideration of Special Circumstances and/or Special Provision). Parents should therefore ensure that all information pertaining to their child and relevant to the school’s Admissions Criteria is stated on the Transfer Application or uploaded with the Transfer Application. Parents/Carers should note that they are required to produce documents verifying information pertinent to the school’s Admissions Criteria
The Board of Governors will not use as a criterion for admission the position of preference given to the school by the applicant on the Transfer Application; for example, a pupil who has chosen Down High School as a second (or other) preference (and whose application to their first preference school has been unsuccessful) will be considered in the same way as all first preference applicants.
An academic criterion is used in the selection process, by reference to the TSAS awarded by SEAG following pupils sitting the Entrance Assessment operated by SEAG subject only to where the Board of Governors may assign to each pupil claiming “Special Circumstances” or “Special Provision” a score in accordance with the arrangements for “Special Circumstances” and “Special Provision” set out below. Those pupils will then be considered on the basis that the score assigned to them by the Board of Governors is equivalent to the TSAS that the child would have been awarded in the SEAG Entrance Assessment under normal circumstances. Such children will then be considered with all other children who have received a SEAG Entrance Assessment TSAS and the Admissions Criteria applied.
The following criteria will apply in the following order if the number of applications is greater than the Admissions Number:
1) Preference will be given to those pupils for whom a TSAS has been awarded by SEAG or a score has been assigned (by the Board of Governors) in accordance with the arrangements for Special Circumstances and/or Special Provision set out below. The school will award places on the basis of these scores, in strict rank order, with the pupil(s) with the highest score being awarded the first place(s) firstly and then working in descending rank order until the number of places that would be awarded is equal to or greater than the admissions number. Note: where appropriate, the TSAS in the SEAG Entrance Assessment should be entered, along with the SEAG Unique Pupil Number, on the Transfer Application. It is the responsibility of parents/carers to make sure that the Statement of Outcomes received from SEAG indicating their child’s TSAS is uploaded with the Transfer Application.
If, following the application of the above criterion, it is not possible to identify for admission the exact number of children equivalent to the admissions number by virtue of pupils with the same score being tied for the final place(s), the following sub-criteria will be applied in the stated order, to distinguish between such pupils:
a) pupils with a sibling* [state name(s) and Registration Group(s) on the Transfer Application.
b) pupils who are the eldest** child of the family*** (including only child) in their family to be eligible to transfer to a mainstream Post-Primary School (details to be supplied on the Transfer Application). Where applicable, twins (or other multiples) will be treated as joint eldest.
In the event of over-subscription after the above sub-criteria being applied, the tie-breaker will be used (see number 3 below). For the purpose of the sibling*, eldest** child of the family*** sub-criteria, these will be interpreted in accordance with DE Circular 2016/15, Annex 2 paragraphs 2-5 of The Procedure for Transfer from Primary to Post Primary Education issued by DE i.e.:
*Sibling: applicants qualify for the sibling criterion according to whether or not they have another ‘child of the family’ already attending the school in question.
**Eldest: applicants qualify for the eldest criterion if they are the first child of the family eligible to apply for a postprimary mainstream school. Twins and other multiple birth applicants will be regarded as joint eldest. Eldest ‘child of the family’ eligible to transfer includes cases where the eldest child has completed his/her post-primary education, the eldest child of a reconstituted family, the eldest child of the family was statemented or attended a special school or where a family has relocated to Northern Ireland. Proof of eldest child should be uploaded with the Transfer Application – a letter on headed note paper, stating that the child is the eldest eligible child and that the family is known to the verifier, from one of the following who is not a family member of the applicant: a Primary School Principal, a medical practitioner, a solicitor, an elected public representative, a member of the clergy or a police officer.
***Child of the family: defined in relation to the parties to a marriage or parties living together in the same household, means: a child of both of them; and any other child who has been treated by both of those parties as a “child of their family”. The Department of Education has been advised that this definition of a child of the family covers: a child born to a married couple; a child born to a co-habiting couple; a child of either of those people by a previous marriage or relationship; a child living with the same-sex partners whether there is a civil partnership under the Civil Partnership Act 2004 or not; an adopted or fostered child; a situation where, for example, an orphaned cousin is being brought up with the family
2) Other pupils – If the number of pupils for whom a TSAS relating to the SEAG Entrance Assessment has been awarded (by SEAG) or a score assigned by the Board of Governors in accordance with the arrangements for Special Circumstances and/or Special Provision is less than the admissions number, the following sub-criteria will be applied, in the stated order, to distinguish between those pupils for whom a TSAS relating to the SEAG Entrance Assessment has not been awarded or a score assigned by the Board of Governors:
A) pupils with a sibling* [state name(s) and Registration Group(s) on the Transfer Application.
B) pupils who are the eldest** child of the family*** (including only child) in their family to be eligible to transfer to a mainstream Post-Primary School (details to be supplied on the Transfer Application). Where applicable, twins (or other multiples) will be treated as joint eldest.
3) Tiebreaker – If, following the application of the above criteria and sub-criteria, it is not possible to identify for admission the exact number of children equivalent to the admissions number (in the event of pupils being tied for the final place(s) on the basis of either the TSAS awarded by SEAG or a score assigned by the Board of Governors) then the following tie-breaker criteria will be applied, in the stated order, to distinguish between pupils tied for the final place(s).
i) pupils will be selected for admission on the basis of the initial letter of their surname (as entered on their Birth Certificate). This order was determined by a randomised selection of the letters of the alphabet. In the event of surnames beginning with the same initial letter, the subsequent letters of the surname will be used in alphabetical order. In the event of two identical surnames, the alphabetical order of the initials of the forenames (as entered on their Birth Certificate) will be used.
ii) In the event of tie-breaker (i) not being sufficient to resolve the issue due to the pupils having the same surname and initials, pupils will be selected for admission on the basis of their date-of-birth with greater preference being given the older a child is.
iii) In the event of tie-breakers (i) and (ii) not being sufficient to resolve the issue due to the pupils having the same surname and initials and the same date of birth, the final selection will be by lot.
Waiting Lists Policy Down High School operates a Waiting Lists Policy. For Year 8, all applications for admission to Year 8 that were initially refused will be automatically placed on the Year 8 waiting list. New applications, late applications and applications where new information has been provided will also be added to the Year 8 waiting list.
Down High School Downpatrick website for a more detailed Admissions Policy document – the https://www.downhighschool.org.uk