🏫 Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar School, Newry – SEAG Practice Papers with Video Explanations
Catholic Voluntary Grammar School | Boys | Newry, County Down | Ages 11–18
📚 History of Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar School
Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar School, often referred to simply as “The Abbey”, was founded in 1851 by the Congregation of Christian Brothers, an Irish Catholic religious order focused on the education of boys. Originally based in the centre of Newry, the school moved to a state-of-the-art campus on the Armagh Road in 2010, offering some of the most modern facilities of any grammar school in Northern Ireland.
The school has a long-standing reputation for academic rigour, sporting success, and a faith-based ethos, centred around the Christian Brothers’ tradition of educating the whole person. It continues to play a major role in the life of the Newry community and is one of the leading all-boys schools in the country.
Motto: “Nihil Alienum” – Nothing Is Impossible
👨🎓 Pupil Numbers & School Structure
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Total Pupils: ~1,030
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Year 8 Intake: ~140 pupils
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Sixth Form: ~300 students
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Gender: Boys only
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Age Range: 11–18
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School Type: Catholic Voluntary Grammar School
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Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic (inclusive of all faiths and none)
🎓 Academic Reputation
The Abbey is consistently ranked among the top-performing grammar schools in Northern Ireland, with exceptional exam results and university admission rates. It has a strong tradition in STEM, Humanities, and Religious Education, and excels in providing pastoral care and personal development opportunities.
✅ Academic Strengths:
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Excellent performance in Maths, Sciences, English, Irish, RE, and Business
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Very high rate of progression to Queen’s University Belfast, Trinity College Dublin, Ulster University, and Russell Group universities
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Offers a wide range of GCSE and A-Level subjects, including traditional academic and some applied options
📊 Academic Performance:
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GCSEs:
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~100% achieve 5+ GCSEs at grades A–C*, including English and Maths
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~90–95% of grades are typically A–B*
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A-Levels:
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~90%+ of grades are A–C*
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Many students progress to Medicine, Law, Engineering, Teaching, and Computer Science
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🏫 Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar School – Contact Information
School Name: Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar School
Commonly Known As: Abbey CBS
Type: Catholic Voluntary Grammar School for Boys (Ages 11–18)
Location: Newry, County Down, Northern Ireland
📍 Address:
Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar School
77a Ashgrove Road
Newry
County Down
BT34 1QN
Northern Ireland
United Kingdom
☎️ Telephone:
+44 (0)28 3026 3142
📧 Email:
🌐 Website:
📱 Social Media:
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Facebook: Abbey CBS Newry
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Twitter/X: @AbbeyCBSNewry
SEAG Score Needed to get into Abbey Grammar School
Below is historical scores for Abbey Grammar School from 2022 to 2014.
2022 Academic Selection Not Used
2021 N/A
2020 Lowest Grade – AQE – 99, PPTC/GL – 229
2019 Lowest Grade – AQE – 99, PPTC/GL – 229
2018 Lowest Grade – AQE – 99, PPTC/GL – 229
2017 Lowest Grade – AQE – 94, PPTC/GL – 219
2016 Lowest Grade – AQE – 99, PPTC/GL – 229
2015 Lowest Grade – AQE – 99, PPTC/GL – 229
2014 Lowest Grade – AQE – 99, PPTC/GL – 229
As you can see from the above stats 229 in PPTC/GL test in most years will have got you into Abbey Grammar School. The highest score needed was 229 in most years and lowest score was 219 in 2017. A 229 score in old PPTC\GL test is equivalent to 197 in new SEAG test, so based on past intake a minimum score of 197+ in SEAG test would give your child a high chance of getting accepted into Abbey Grammar School.
SEAG Comparison with historical AQE and PPTC outcomes:
| Approx PPTC / GL Equivalent SAS | SEAG TSAS | Approx AQE Equivalent SAS | SEAG Band | SEAG Cohort Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 282 | 282 | 130 | 1 | 100 |
| 258 | 236 | 1 | 90 | |
| 249 | 224 | 113 | 1 | 80 |
| 242 | 215 | 109 | 1 | 70 |
| 236 | 207 | 106 | 1 | 60* |
| 231 | 200 | 103 | 2 | 50* |
| 226 | 193 | 99 | 3 | 40* |
| 220 | 185 | 94 | 4 | 30* |
| 214 | 175 | 88 | 5 | 20* |
| 200 | <175 | 6 | <20 |
*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.
| Minimum PPTC /GL SAS needed for Grade | PPTC/ GL Grade | Approx Equivalent SEAG TSAS |
|---|---|---|
| 234 | A | 206 |
| 229 | B1 | 197 |
| 224 | B2 | 190 |
| 219 | C1 | 183 |
| 213 | C2 | 174 |
| <213 | D | <174 |
How to Use ExamTutor SEAG Transfer Test Practice Papers (with Video Explanations) to Achieve High Scores for Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar School
Preparing for the SEAG Transfer Test effectively is crucial to securing a place at highly competitive grammar schools like Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar School. 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.
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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.
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📌 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
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How to Use Video Explanations Effectively:
✅ Review incorrect answers with video solutions – Identify and correct mistakes early.
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✔ 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.
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Confidence is crucial for success in the SEAG exam. Our practice tests help by:
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📌 Tip: Encourage your child to review their mistakes using our detailed video explanations to turn weaknesses into strengths.
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How to Get Started with ExamTutor Practice Papers
1️⃣ Take a practice test – Identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
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📌 Tip: Start preparing at least 6–12 months before the exam to allow enough time for practice and improvement.
Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar School 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 Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar School.
Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar School Preparation?
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📋 Admissions Criteria
When applications exceed the number of places (~140), the school applies the following priority order:
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SEAG Transfer Test result – ranked highest to lowest
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Baptised Catholic boys
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Siblings of current/former pupils
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Sons of staff or former pupils
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Pupils from named contributory Catholic primary schools
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Geographical proximity (tie-breaker)
✅ Special Circumstances (e.g. SEN, illness, family bereavement, newcomers to NI) are considered when documented evidence is submitted.
📅 Admissions Timeline
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| SEAG Registration Opens | May |
| SEAG Registration Closes | September |
| SEAG Test Dates | November |
| Results Released to Parents | January |
| EA Online Application Opens | Late January |
| Application Deadline | February |
| Offers Announced | March |
SEAG Exam Information for ‘Abbey Grammar School’.
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. Abbey Grammar School is a SEAG School. Abbey Grammar School 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).
SEAG Entrance Assessment Structure
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:- “Punctuation Exercise” containing 5 multiple choice questions.
- “Grammar Exercise” 5 multiple choice questions.
- “Spelling Exercise” with 5 multiple choice questions.
- 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:- The first 22 Maths questions (Q29-Q50) are multiple choice questions.
- 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 Abbey Grammar School
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 number of places available in Year 8 is limited to the admission number set by the Department of Education for Northern Ireland and is currently 125 places. The cut-off for admission will therefore be the 125th place.
The Board of Governors will consider applications from boys who have taken the entrance assessments anywhere in Northern Ireland provided by SEAG. The results of the Entrance Assessments should be provided to the school attached to the Online Transfer Form. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to ensure the original copy of the respective result(s) is available with the Online Transfer Form.
The Abbey Christian Brothers’ Grammar School will use the Band achieved by boys in the Entrance Assessment provided by SEAG and administered by the SEAG Assessment Centres to be the primary evidence to be considered by the Authority of Governors as outlined below.
The Board of Governors will admit boys strictly on the following basis:
1) Boys who have been awarded a Band 1 in the SEAG Entrance Assessment including those whose applications for consideration of Special Circumstances and/or special Provisions have been accepted and who, in the opinion of the authorised Subcommittee, based on the documented evidence submitted as required, are of comparable ability to those boys awarded Band 1 and then Band 2 through to Band 6.
2) If there are more boys who satisfy any one of the criteria form band 1 to 6 when they are applied in the order of priority set down above than places remaining, then boys will be selected according to the following sub-criteria applied in the order set down below:
(i) Boys who, at the date of their application, have a parent/guardian who is a member of the permanent teaching, administrative, or ancillary staff of the Abbey.
(ii) Boys who, at the date of their application, have another boy of the family. Procedure for Transfer from Primary to Post Primary Education attending the school or having been selected for admission to the school in the coming school year.
(iii) Boys who have had another boy of the previously attend the school.
(iv) Boys who are the first boy of the family to transfer to secondary education, i.e. the eldest boy of the family as defined above. A letter of verification must be completed and uploaded with the Online Transfer Form. It must be signed by one of the following who knows the child and family for at least two years and has no familial relationship with the applicant:
(v) A primary school Principal
(vi) An elected public representative
(vii) A medical practitioner
(viii) A lawyer
(ix) A member of the clergy
(x) Boys who are the first boy of the family Boys who, at the date of their application, are entitled to Free School Meals to apply for a place in a school that admits pupils using academic criteria as its primary means of selection.
(xi) Boys whose names generate the lowest ranking number in the tie break criteria until all places up to the admissions number have been filled. Further details below.
Operation of sub criterion (vii): Tiebreaker Sub criterion (vii) will be used where there remain more applicants than places available, applicants will be ranked for acceptance on the basis of a computer-based process which will make use of the names of applicants as shown on their Transfer Applications. The process is carried out by means of a computer program which, for each applicant, generates a ranking number using the details from the Transfer Application as the seed for a random number generator. The outcome, for any given applicant, is dependent only on the applicant’s name (as submitted on the Transfer Application) and is not affected by the details of any other applicant. Although the process is repeatable, and the results may therefore be subsequently verified, it is not possible to predict, in advance of running the program, what the result will be for any given set of details. Applicants with the lowest ranking numbers will be given places up to the number of places available. This will be overseen by the Admissions Sub Committee of the Board of Governors.
Abbey Grammar School website for a more detailed Admissions Policy document – the https://www.abbeycbs.org
