What parents say
★★★★★ 4.98/5 from 618 verified reviews across all four exam boards — these are from SEAG families.
Strathearn is NI's top-ranked grammar (UK #31). ExamTutor's SEAG pack covered both papers — English and Maths — comprehensively. My daughter scored above the qualifying mark and got Strathearn.
Friends' Lisburn is highly competitive. The SEAG pack with 12 papers and 672 video explanations was the most comprehensive NI resource we found. My son got Friends'.
Methody is one of NI's largest grammars. ExamTutor's SEAG pack gave us exactly what we needed for the November transfer test. Couldn't be more pleased.
Inst (RBAI) is one of NI's most prestigious grammars. The ExamTutor SEAG pack was the resource that turned my son's preparation around. He's there now.
BRA is one of NI's oldest grammars. ExamTutor's SEAG pack — 12 papers, 672 videos — was brilliant. My daughter scored well above qualifying mark.
Campbell College (boys, voluntary) uses SEAG entry. ExamTutor's pack was excellent — we particularly valued the 672 video explanations. Got Campbell.
St Mary's CBS is a Catholic boys' grammar. ExamTutor's pack saved us from paying expensive tuition. My son scored well and got his first choice.
St Dominic's is in the UK Top 50. ExamTutor's SEAG materials matched the actual test format perfectly. We're so happy my daughter got her place.
A week with ExamTutor
What preparation actually looks like once you have Quest and the papers — little and often on screen, then the real thing on paper.
The plan sets the week
Set the exam date once and Quest maps every week to it — which subtopics to continue, which to revisit, when to sit papers. It updates itself as medals are won.
Fifteen minutes a day
The daily five, a go at the Weekly Challenge, then a short test in a quest with a medal to win. Anything wrong goes into My Corrections and comes back on Friday until it's beaten.
A real paper, then the videos
Print a paper, sit it against the clock, mark it — then watch the tutor work through every question your child got wrong, or wasn't sure about.
The Skills Report tells you where they are
Every skill graded from the medals and exams, an exam-readiness verdict, strongest areas and what needs work — printable, with an optional grown-up PIN.
Your guide to the SEAG 11+
Everything a parent needs to know about the test itself — open the sections you want.
About the SEAG 11+ Test
📝 SEAG vs AQE — what changed in 2024: Northern Ireland previously had two competing transfer test providers — AQE (used by most Protestant/state grammars) and GL Assessment (used by Catholic Maintained grammars). From 2024 onwards, both have been replaced by a single common SEAG transfer test, simplifying NI Transfer Test preparation for all families. Our SEAG practice papers reflect this current single-test format.
The SEAG Transfer Test (also known as the SEAG 11 plus, NI 11+, or Northern Ireland eleven plus) is the entrance assessment for grammar school places across Northern Ireland.
SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group) is the single unified Transfer Test used by all 63 grammar schools in Northern Ireland. SEAG replaced the previous AQE and PPTC tests in 2023, creating one consistent exam format across all NI grammars. The test runs over two papers — English and Mathematics — held on consecutive Saturdays in November.
Transfer Test Northern Ireland — Complete Practice Pack
Our complete SEAG transfer test practice pack is designed specifically for the Northern Ireland transfer test — the single assessment used by NI grammar schools since 2024. The pack covers everything Year 7 (P7) pupils need: 12 SEAG-style practice papers across English and Mathematics, video walkthroughs for every question, and access to our free SEAG sample paper before purchase.
- 12 full-length SEAG practice papers — matched to the real test format and timing
- 670+ tutor video explanations — every question explained step by step
- English & Maths coverage — both subjects in every paper, exactly as in the real Transfer Test
- Free SEAG sample paper — try before you buy with no email signup
- 12 months unlimited access — buy once, revise as often as needed
- Tailored to 63 NI grammar schools — including Belfast, Co. Antrim, Co. Down, Co. Armagh, Co. Tyrone, Co. Fermanagh and Co. Londonderry schools
See all 4 SEAG practice pack options below, or browse the 63 NI grammar schools using the SEAG transfer test.
Test Format & Structure
SEAG comprises TWO papers, each 60 minutes long, sat exactly one week apart on consecutive Saturdays in November. Each paper contains 44 multiple-choice questions and 12 free-form short-answer questions. Paper 1 is English (covering comprehension, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary). Paper 2 is Mathematics (covering arithmetic, problem-solving, fractions, geometry, data handling).
Quick Facts
- Format: Two papers of 60 minutes each, sat one week apart on consecutive Saturdays in November
- Subjects: English + Mathematics
- Qualifying mark: Age-standardised — maximum standardised score ~130
- Test provider: SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group)
Key Dates 2026/27 Cycle
📅 SEAG is sat on two Saturdays in November — Paper 1 on 14 November 2026 and Paper 2 on 21 November 2026 — and registration closes on 18 September 2026.
The SEAG testing calendar varies by region. Below are the key dates for the 2026/27 admissions cycle.
Free SEAG Practice Resources & Score Improvement Tips
Effective SEAG preparation isn't about cramming — it's about consistent practice across all subjects.
- Tip 1: Register at seagni.co.uk between 18 May and 18 September 2026 (£20 fee, FSME exempt)
- Tip 2: Start preparation 6-9 months before the November tests
- Tip 3: Practice both papers thoroughly — the maths paper especially has time pressure
- Tip 4: Watch all 672 video explanations — these break down SEAG's specific question formats
- Tip 5: Sit timed mock papers in the final 2 months
- Tip 6: Don't rely on UK 11+ resources — SEAG has unique question formats
Why Northern Ireland Parents Choose ExamTutor for SEAG Preparation
Over 140 verified Northern Ireland parents have trusted ExamTutor's SEAG practice papers to prepare their child for the NI Transfer Test. Our papers mirror the real SEAG/AQE format used across grammar schools in Belfast, Co. Antrim, Co. Down, Co. Armagh, Co. Tyrone, Co. Fermanagh and Co. Londonderry.
- Expert tutor video walkthroughs for every question — your child learns the technique, not just the answer
- Full SEAG syllabus coverage across English and Mathematics
- Affordable alternative to private tutoring — typically £800+ saved compared to weekly 1-to-1 tutoring
- 12 months unlimited access with no auto-renewal — buy once, use as much as needed
- Used across Northern Ireland — 63 NI grammar schools represented in our customer base
- Free sample paper and free tutorial videos — try before you buy with no email signup
See 146 verified reviews from Northern Ireland families, or browse the full list of 63 NI grammar schools.
SEAG Transfer Test Subjects Covered in Our Practice Papers
The SEAG Common Entrance Assessment tests two core subjects within each paper: English and Mathematics. Our practice papers cover both subjects across all sections of each paper — exactly as they appear in the real Northern Ireland Transfer Test.
📚 SEAG English
Reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation, spelling, vocabulary and inference. SEAG English questions test how well your child can read and understand a passage, then answer questions accurately under timed conditions. Our papers mirror the SEAG English style used by AQE and SEAG examiners.
🔢 SEAG Mathematics
Number, calculation, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio, geometry, measurement, data handling and word problems. SEAG Maths follows the Northern Ireland Key Stage 2 curriculum with strong emphasis on applied problem-solving and time pressure across multiple sections.
Schools Using SEAG
Belfast (15+ grammars), Lisburn (Friends'), Coleraine, Derry/Londonderry (Lumen Christi), Newry (Sacred Heart, Abbey CBS), Banbridge, Armagh, Enniskillen, Omagh, Magherafelt, and all NI grammars.
| School Name | Location | Type | GCSE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar School | Newry, Co. Down | Boys | 80% |
| Antrim Grammar School | Antrim, Co. Antrim | Mixed | 80% |
| Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School | Belfast | Mixed | 66.3% |
| Assumption Grammar School | Ballynahinch, Co. Down | Girls | 80% |
| Ballyclare High School | Ballyclare, Co. Antrim | Mixed | 55.4% |
| Ballymena Academy | Ballymena, Co. Antrim | Mixed | 58.2% |
| Banbridge Academy | Banbridge, Co. Down | Mixed | 72.2% |
| Bangor Grammar School | Bangor, Co. Down | Boys | 70% |
| Belfast High School | Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim | Mixed | 65% |
| Belfast Royal Academy | Belfast | Mixed | 58.7% |
| Bloomfield Collegiate Belfast | Belfast | Girls | 70% |
| Cambridge House Grammar School Ballymena | Each of the multiple choice questions has 5 possible answers. | Mixed | 70% |
| Campbell College | Belfast | Boys | 39% |
| Carrickfergus Grammar School | Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim | Mixed | 56.4% |
| Christian Brothers Grammar School Omagh | Omagh, Co. Tyrone | Boys | 70% |
| Coleraine Grammar School | Coleraine, Co. Londonderry | Mixed | 75% |
| Dalriada School Ballymoney | Ballymoney, Co. Antrim | Mixed | 52.9% |
| Dominican College Belfast | Belfast | Girls | 80% |
| Dominican College, Portstewart | Portstewart, Co. Londonderry | Girls | 80% |
| Down High School | Downpatrick | Mixed | 50.7% |
| Enniskillen Royal Grammar School | Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh | Mixed | 39.9% |
| Foyle College (Londonderry/Derry) | Londonderry | Mixed | 75% |
| Friends School Lisburn | Lisburn, Co. Antrim | Mixed | 78.2% |
| Glenlola Collegiate Bangor | Bangor, Co. Down | Girls | 39.2% |
| Grosvenor Grammar School Belfast | Belfast | Mixed | 75% |
| Hunterhouse College | Belfast | Girls | 70% |
| Lagan College | Belfast | Mixed | 70% |
| Larne Grammar School | Larne, Co. Antrim | Mixed | 70% |
| Lecale Trinity Grammar School Downpatrick | Downpatrick | Mixed | — |
| Limavady Grammar School | Limavady, Co. Londonderry | Mixed | 46.7% |
| Loreto Grammar School Omagh | Omagh, Co. Tyrone | Girls | 80% |
| Lumen Christi College | Derry | Mixed | 74.4% |
| Methodist College Belfast | Belfast | Mixed | 61.8% |
| Mount Lourdes Grammar School Enniskillen | Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh | Girls | 70% |
| Omagh Academy Grammar School | Omagh, Co. Tyrone | Mixed | 57.3% |
| Our Lady and St Patrick's College, Knock | Belfast | Mixed | 61.6% |
| Our Lady's Grammar School Newry | Newry, Co. Down | Girls | 80% |
| Rainey Endowed School Magherfelt | Magherafelt | Mixed | 61.1% |
| Rathmore Grammar School | Belfast | Mixed | 69.3% |
| Regent House School Newtownards | Newtownards, Co. Down | Mixed | 70% |
| Royal Belfast Academical Institution | Belfast | Boys | 70% |
| Royal School Armagh | Armagh | Mixed | 48.2% |
| Royal School Dungannon | Dungannon, Co. Tyrone | Mixed | 77% |
| Sacred Heart Grammar School | Newry, Co. Down | Girls | 80% |
| Slemish College | Ballymena | Mixed | 70% |
| St Colman's College Newry | Newry, Co. Down | Boys | 80% |
| St Columb's College Derry | Derry~Londonderry | Boys | 75% |
| St Dominic's Grammar School | Belfast | Girls | 71.3% |
| St Joseph's Grammar School Donaghmore | Dungannon, Co. Tyrone | Mixed | 70% |
| St Louis Grammar School Ballymena | Ballymena, Co. Antrim | Mixed | 55.8% |
| St Louis Grammar School Kilkeel | Newry, Co. Down | Mixed | 75% |
| St Malachy's College Belfast | Belfast | Mixed | 75% |
| St Mary's Christian Brothers' Grammar School Belfast | Belfast | Boys | 75% |
| St Mary's Grammar School Magherafelt | Magherafelt, Co. Londonderry | Mixed | 73.3% |
| St Michael's College Enniskillen | Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh | Boys | 65% |
| St Patrick's Academy, Dungannon | Proximity to the school (tie-breaker by address) | Mixed | 75% |
| Strabane Academy | Strabane, Co. Tyrone | Mixed | 50% |
| Strathearn School Belfast | Belfast | Girls | 73% |
| Sullivan Upper School | Holywood | Mixed | 66.7% |
| Thornhill College | Derry~Londonderry | Girls | 70% |
| Victoria College, Belfast | Belfast | Girls | 48.6% |
| Wallace High School Lisburn | Lisburn, Co. Antrim | Mixed | 53.5% |
| Wellington College Belfast | Belfast | Mixed | 77% |
SEAG Transfer Test Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good score in the SEAG test?
SEAG test results are reported as a standardised age score. A score around 100 is the average; a good SEAG score for grammar school entry is typically 105+, and top selectives like RBAI, Methody and Victoria College generally require scores around 110+. However, each NI grammar school sets its own admission criteria — some weight SEAG scores alongside catchment, sibling priority, and other factors. Always check your target school's published admission criteria. Practising with structured SEAG transfer test papers consistently raises scores by 5-10+ standardised points based on customer feedback.
How is the SEAG test scored?
Each SEAG paper is marked out of a raw total which is then converted to an age-standardised score. The standardisation accounts for the candidate's exact age in months — younger pupils in the year group receive a small age allowance so they aren't penalised for being younger. The two papers (sat on consecutive Saturday mornings in November) are combined to produce a final reported standardised score, usually in the range 70 to 130+. Transfer test results in Northern Ireland are released in January, ahead of the post-primary application deadline. Each NI grammar school uses the score alongside its own admission criteria to allocate Year 8 places.
What is the SEAG Transfer Test?
The SEAG Transfer Test (also known as the SEAG Common Entrance Assessment or the NI Transfer Test) is the entrance exam for Northern Ireland's grammar schools. Administered by the Education Authority Northern Ireland on behalf of NI's grammar schools, it replaced the older AQE and GL Assessment NI tests from 2024. It tests two core subjects — English and Mathematics — across two timed papers, sat in November of Year 7 (P7) at primary school.
Which schools use the SEAG Transfer Test?
63 Northern Ireland grammar schools currently use SEAG for Year 8 entrance — including top Belfast grammars (Royal Belfast Academical Institution, Methodist College "Methody", Victoria College, Belfast Royal Academy, Campbell College, Strathearn, Wallace), plus grammars across County Antrim, County Down, County Armagh, County Tyrone, County Fermanagh and County Londonderry. See the full schools list below.
What is the difference between SEAG and the old AQE/GL tests?
Northern Ireland previously had two competing transfer test providers — AQE (used by most Protestant/state grammars) and GL Assessment (used by Catholic Maintained grammars). From 2024 onwards, both have been replaced by a single common test: SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group). This means most NI grammar schools now use the same test, simplifying preparation for families.
How much do SEAG practice papers cost?
Individual SEAG Test Packs cost £19 each (4 English and Maths papers in the SEAG format, with 224 tutor videos). All 3 packs together cost £49. Quest, our interactive practice software, is £49 for a year (second child +£25), and Quest with all the papers is £75. Everything is a one-off purchase with 12 months' access and no auto-renewal.
Are there free SEAG practice papers available?
Yes — we provide a free SEAG sample practice paper and free tutorial videos so you can see the quality before buying. No email signup required — download instantly.
When is the SEAG Transfer Test?
The SEAG Transfer Test is sat on two Saturday mornings in November of Year 7 (P7). For the 2026/27 entry, the tests are on Saturday 14 November 2026 and Saturday 21 November 2026. Both papers test English and Maths, with results released in January. See the full dates breakdown below.
When should we start SEAG preparation?
Most Northern Ireland families start focused SEAG preparation at the beginning of Year 6 (P6) — about 12-18 months before the test. Building strong reading comprehension and mental arithmetic from Year 5 (P5) onwards is also helpful. The SEAG covers the NI Key Stage 2 curriculum so structured practice papers are the most effective preparation method.
Do the papers cover specific NI grammar school entrance requirements?
Yes — our 4 SEAG packs cover the question types and structure used across every Northern Ireland grammar school using SEAG, including top selectives like Royal Belfast Academical Institution (RBAI/Inst), Methodist College Belfast (Methody), Victoria College, Belfast Royal Academy (BRA), Campbell College, Strathearn, Wallace High School, Sullivan Upper, plus grammars in Bangor, Lurgan, Portadown, Newry, Omagh, Enniskillen, Coleraine, Ballymena and beyond. The same papers work for any SEAG school in Northern Ireland.
Start preparing today
One-off prices, 12 months' access, nothing to renew. Not sure yet? Try the free SEAG samples first →