St Louis Grammar School Ballymena Information

🏫 St Louis Grammar School, Ballymena – 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 Catholic Grammar School | Co-educational | Ballymena, County Antrim | Ages 11–18

📚 History of St Louis Grammar School, Ballymena

St Louis Grammar School in Ballymena was founded in 1924 by the St Louis Order of Catholic Sisters. Initially a girls’ boarding school, it has since evolved into a co-educational, Catholic grammar school, known for academic excellence, holistic development, and spiritual growth.

For nearly a century, the school has been a cornerstone of Catholic education in County Antrim, embracing the motto “Ut Sint Unum” (That they may be one), which reflects the St Louis Order’s emphasis on unity, service, and faith-based learning.

Today, St Louis is a thriving, high-achieving school that prepares students for both academic success and moral leadership.

👨‍🎓 Pupil Numbers & School Structure

• Total Pupils: ~1,200

• Year 8 Intake: ~150 pupils

• Sixth Form: ~300 students

• Gender: Co-educational

• Age Range: 11–18

• School Type: Voluntary Grammar School with Catholic ethos

• Governance: Maintained by the Education Authority NI and Diocese of Down and Connor

🎓 Academic Reputation

St Louis Grammar School Ballymena is consistently ranked among the top grammar schools in Northern Ireland, with a long-standing reputation for academic achievement, innovation, and student care.

✅ Academic Strengths:

• Exceptional performance in STEM, Languages, Business Studies, and Humanities

• High proportion of pupils progressing to Russell Group universities, Queen’s University Belfast, and universities across Ireland and the UK

• Strong support for students pursuing Medicine, Dentistry, Law, and Engineering

📊 Exam Results (Typical Year):

• GCSEs:

  • ~99% of pupils achieve 7+ GCSEs A–C (including English & Maths)*

  • ~85–90% of grades at A–A*

• A-Levels:

  • ~85% of grades at A–B*

  • High number of pupils accepted into competitive degree programmes

🏆 Awards & Recognition

• Top 5 Grammar School in Northern Ireland (based on academic performance)

• Sunday Times Northern Ireland Secondary School of the Year 2021

• Excellence recognised in:

  • STEM innovation and Sentinus competitions

  • Young Enterprise Northern Ireland

  • Gael-Linn Irish language competitions

  • Eco-Schools programme (Green Flag award)

🏫 St. Louis Grammar School, Ballymena – Contact Information

School Name: St. Louis Grammar School
Type: Catholic Co-educational Voluntary Grammar School (Ages 11–18)
Location: Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

📍 Address:

St. Louis Grammar School
Cullybackey Road
Ballymena
County Antrim
BT43 5DW
Northern Ireland
United Kingdom

☎️ Telephone:

+44 (0)28 2564 9534

📧 Email:

info@stlouisgrammar.com

🌐 Website:

https://www.stlouisgrammar.com

📱 Social Media:

• Facebook: St Louis Grammar Ballymena

• Twitter/X: @stlouis_bally

• Instagram: @stlouisgrammarballymena

You can view the school’s location on the map below:

SEAG Score Needed to get into St Louis Grammar School Ballymena

Below is historical scores for St Louis Grammar School Ballymena from 2022 to 2014.

2022 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 230
2021 N/A
2020 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 230
2019 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 230
2018 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 225
2017 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 230
2016 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 230
2015 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 226
2014 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 225
As you can see from the above stats and 230 in PPTC/GL in most years will have got you into St Louis Grammar School Ballymena. The highest score needed was 2022, 2020, 2019 2017 & 2016.
A 219 score in old PPTC/GL test is equivalent to 201 in new SEAG test so based on past intake a minimum score of 201+ in SEAG test would give your child a very high chance of getting accepted into St Louis Grammar School Ballymena.

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 St Louis Grammar School, Ballymena Grammar School

Preparing for the SEAG Transfer Test effectively is crucial to securing a place at highly competitive grammar schools like St Louis Grammar School, Ballymena. Using ExamTutor’s SEAG Transfer Test Practice Papers with video explanations is one of the smartest ways to build exam confidence, improve accuracy, and boost scores.

Below is a step-by-step strategy to help you make the most of your resources and target success.

🎯 Why ExamTutor Practice Papers Work

ExamTutor provides:

• Authentic SEAG-style questions in Maths and English

• Step-by-step video solutions that explain how and why each answer works

✅ Step-by-Step Strategy for Using ExamTutor SEAG Practice Papers

Step 1: Set a Study Schedule

• Begin preparation at least 6–9 months before the SEAG test (ideally by January or February of Primary 6)

• Aim for 2–3 practice sessions per week, gradually increasing frequency closer to the test (in November)

Step 2: Start with One Full Practice Paper

• Attempt a paper without a time limit

• Use the ExamTutor printable PDF

• Do not use help or calculators

📌 Tip: Start with a “practice” paper to assess your current level in:

• English (comprehension, grammar, punctuation)

• Maths (mental arithmetic, problem-solving, word problems)

Step 3: Review Your Answers Using Video Explanations

• After each paper, watch the video solutions provided by ExamTutor for every question you got wrong — and those you got right by guessing

• Pay attention to:

  • Why an answer is correct

  • How to avoid common traps

  • Time-saving strategies

• Take notes in a dedicated SEAG notebook

• 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 pupils fully understand concepts rather than just memorising answers.

Step 4: Focus on Weak Areas

• Track the types of questions you consistently get wrong:

  • In English: Inference, vocabulary, punctuation, grammar

  • In Maths: Fractions, word problems, percentages, multi-step logic

• Use targeted ExamTutor video lessons or supplementary topic-specific questions

📌 Tip: Keping a detailed track of questions you got incorrect can be reviewed at a later date to reinforce the topic.

Step 5: 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.

Step 6: Use Spaced Repetition

• Rotate papers every few weeks — don’t repeat the same one too soon

• Revisit older papers to ensure retention

• Use the “mark and reflect” method:

  • Mark answers

  • Watch relevant videos

  • Reflect on what you’ve learned and write a short summary

Step 7: Mock Exam Month (October)

• In the month before the SEAG test:

  • Do 2 full practice papers per week

  • Use ExamTutor’s practice test papers under realistic timed conditions

  • Review your mistakes using the videos within 24 hours

✅ How This Helps with St Louis Grammar School, Ballymena Admission

• St Louis Grammar School, Ballymena ranks applicants by SEAG score, giving priority to high scorers

• Top ~93 pupils are admitted — meaning only the strongest SEAG scores are considered

• By using ExamTutor:

  • You build familiarity with SEAG-style questions

  • You strengthen core exam techniques

  • You develop accuracy under time pressure

  • You avoid repeat mistakes

📦 Suggested ExamTutor SEAG Resources

• 📘 SEAG Practice Papers Pack 1,2 & 3 with Video Explanations

👉 Available at: www.examtutor.co.uk through subscription packages

💡 Bonus Tips for Parents

• Avoid low quality repetitive practice tests, will only create a negative attitude

• Build a calm and positive home environment for study

• Focus on progress, not perfection

• Celebrate small wins to keep motivation high

• Use breaks and rewards to avoid burnout

📍 Final Thoughts

Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for St Louis Grammar School, Ballymena 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 St Louis Grammar School, Ballymena 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.

✏️ Year 8 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply

✅ Entry via SEAG Transfer Test

St Louis Grammar School, Ballymena is a member of the SEAG (Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group) and admits boys into Year 8 based on SEAG Transfer Test performance.

🧪 SEAG Transfer Test Format

• Two exam papers (English & Maths) taken in November of P7

• Includes comprehension, grammar, punctuation and numerical reasoning, problem-solving

• Administered and scored by GL Assessment

• Scores are standardised and ranked for school admissions

📌 Registration via: www.seagni.co.uk

📋 Admissions Criteria (Subject to Annual Review)

If the school receives more applicants than places available, the following criteria are typically applied:

1. Applicants with a qualifying SEAG score

2. Baptised Roman Catholic pupils (with evidence such as baptismal certificate)

3. Siblings of current or former students

4. Children attending Catholic feeder primary schools

5. Children of current staff

6. Children living closest to the school

📝 Special Circumstances/Provisions (e.g. illness, SEN, bereavement) may allow for adjusted consideration of scores.

📅 Key Dates 

💷 Fees

• St Louis Grammar Ballymena is a state-funded voluntary grammar school – no tuition fees

• Optional contributions may apply for:

  • Uniform

  • Educational trips

  • Music lessons

  • Extracurricular programmes

SEAG Exam Information for ‘St Louis Grammar School Ballymena’.

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. St Louis Grammar School Ballymenais a SEAG School. St Louis Grammar School Ballymenawill 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 St Louis Grammar School Ballymena

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:
The Board of Governors of the School will not use as a criterion the position of preference given to the School on the online Transfer Application, i.e. a child who has chosen the School in any position on the online Transfer Application will be considered equally with those who have put the School first. Preference will be given in the strict order of SEAG Assessment Total Standardised Age Score in rank order until all places have been filled up to the School admissions number of 139 pupils. References to SEAG Assessment Total Standardised Age Score include those deemed to be equivalent after consideration of Special Circumstances and Special Provision (see note below). In the event that two or more applicants are eligible for the remaining place or places because they have the same SEAG Assessment Total Standardised Age Score the Tie Breaker criteria below will be applied in the order set down until the final place has been allocated.
1) Sibling Applicants who, at the date of their application, have a *child of the family currently enrolled at the School. Name and year group of present pupil must be provided.
2) Eldest Child This criterion to be defined as “children who, at the date of their application, are the eldest *child of the family to be eligible to apply for admission to the School”. This wording covers “only” children and is also intended to treat twins (or other multiples) as joint eldest. Eldest child must be stated on online Transfer Application at time of application.
3) Basis of Age Applicants will be selected on the basis of age with the oldest applicant being selected first, established by date of birth as entered on a birth certificate. A copy of the child’s birth certificate must be uploaded with the online Transfer Application.
4) Random Selection of Letters The final selection will be made on the basis of initial letter(s) of surname (as entered on birth certificate).
In the event that places remain, after those who have taken the SEAG Assessment have been admitted (including those admitted following claims for Special Circumstances/Special Provision), then remaining places will be allocated using the above criteria in the order set down until the final place has been allocated. This includes children who have not taken the SEAG Assessment required by the School.
St Louis Grammar School Ballymena website for a more detailed Admissions Policy document – the https://stlouisgrammar.com