🏫 Antrim Grammar School – SEAG Practice Papers with Video Explanations
Voluntary Grammar School | Co-educational | Antrim Town, County Antrim | Ages 11–18
📚 History of Antrim Grammar School
Antrim Grammar School (AGS) was founded in 1974, making it a relatively young grammar school compared to some of its peers in Northern Ireland. Despite its modern origins, AGS has quickly built a reputation for academic excellence, forward-thinking leadership, and pastoral care.
The school is located in Antrim Town, with excellent transport links across Belfast, Ballymena, Crumlin, and surrounding areas. It shares a large, modern campus with Antrim Area Learning Community and Parkhall Integrated College, providing excellent opportunities for collaborative learning and facilities access.
Antrim Grammar’s motto is:
“Educating for Life” — reflecting its commitment to equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and values they need for lifelong success.
👨🎓 Pupil Numbers & School Structure
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Total Pupils: ~880
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Year 8 Intake: ~130–140 pupils
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Sixth Form: ~200+ students
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Gender: Co-educational
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Age Range: 11–18
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School Type: Voluntary Grammar School
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Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational Christian ethos
🎓 Academic Reputation
Antrim Grammar is known for excellent GCSE and A-Level results, strong teaching quality, and inclusive academic support. The school has made consistent strides in STEM, Languages, and Creative Arts, and is particularly known for embracing digital learning and innovation.
✅ Academic Strengths:
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High performance in Maths, English, Sciences, ICT, and Languages
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Strong options at GCSE & A-Level including Moving Image Arts, Software Systems Development, and Health & Social Care
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Excellent university entrance record, including Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, and Russell Group institutions
📊 Academic Performance:
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GCSEs:
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~100% of pupils achieve 5+ GCSEs at grades A–C*, including English and Maths
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~85–90% of GCSE grades typically at A–B*
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A-Levels:
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~85–90% of grades at A–C*
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High uptake in competitive courses: Law, Engineering, Teaching, Nursing, and Computer Science
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🏆 Awards & Recognition
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ETI (Education & Training Inspectorate) has praised:
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Outstanding quality of leadership
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Innovation in learning and digital education
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Pastoral support and inclusive ethos
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Recognition in:
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BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition
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Young Enterprise NI
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UK Maths Challenge and Science Olympiads
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Winner/finalist in:
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NI School STEM Awards
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Digital School of Distinction
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Eco-Schools Green Flag for environmental awareness
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🏫 Antrim Grammar School – Contact Information
School Name: Antrim Grammar School
Type: Co-educational Voluntary Grammar School (Ages 11–18)
Location: Antrim, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
📍 Address:
Antrim Grammar School
10 Steeple Road
Antrim
County Antrim
BT41 1AF
Northern Ireland
United Kingdom
☎️ Telephone:
+44 (0)28 9446 4091
📧 Email:
info@antrimgrammar.antrim.ni.sch.uk
🌐 Website:
📱 Social Media:
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Facebook: Antrim Grammar School
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Twitter/X: @AntrimGS
SEAG Score Needed to get into Antrim Grammar School
Below is historical scores for Antrim Grammar School from 2024 to 2014.
2024 Lowest Grade – SEAG – 192
2023 Lowest Grade – AQE – 100
2022 Lowest Grade – AQE – 94
2021 N/A
2020 Lowest Grade – AQE – 94
2019 Lowest Grade – AQE – 94
2018 Lowest Grade – AQE – 94
2017 Lowest Grade – AQE – 99
2016 Lowest Grade – AQE – 94
2015 Lowest Grade – AQE – 89
2014 Lowest Grade – AQE – 89
As you can see from the above stats 94 in AQE test in most years will have got you into Antrim Grammar School. The highest score needed was 100 in 2023 for AQE and lowest score was 89 in 2014 & 2015. We also have information on the SEAG score for 2024. The lowest SEAG score to get a place at Antrim Grammar School in 2024 was 192.
A 100 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 Antrim Grammar School. As we can see a score of 192 got you a place at Antrim Grammar School in 2024 so the guide for past scores was not far off the mark. We would still recommend getting a score above 195 in new SEAG test to have a high chance of getting accepted at Antrim 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
| Minimum PPTC /GL SAS needed for Grade | Grade | Approx Equivalent SEAG TSAS |
|---|---|---|
| 234 | A | 206 |
| 229 | B1 | 197 |
| 224 | B2 | 190 |
| 219 | C1 | 183 |
| 213 | C2 | 174 |
| <213 (D) | D | <174 |
How to Use ExamTutor SEAG Transfer Test Practice Papers (with Video Explanations) to Achieve High Scores for Antrim Grammar School
Preparing for the SEAG Transfer Test effectively is crucial to securing a place at highly competitive grammar schools like Antrim 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.
📌 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
🎥 Show shortcuts and strategies to save time in the exam
🎥 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.
Antrim 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 Antrim Grammar School.
Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for Antrim Grammar School 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 Antrim Grammar School 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 Timeline
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| SEAG Registration Opens | May |
| SEAG Registration Closes | September |
| SEAG Tests | November (2 Saturdays) |
| SEAG Results Issued | January |
| EA Application Portal Opens | Late January |
| Application Deadline | February |
| Offers Announced | March |
SEAG Exam Information for Antrim 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. Antrim Grammar School is a SEAG School. Antrim 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).
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: 5 multiple choice questions.
- Grammar Exercise: 5 multiple choice questions.
- Spelling Exercise: 5 multiple choice questions.
- Comprehension: Contains a passage and asks 13 questions on the passage; 7 are multiple choice (Q16-Q22). The final 6 questions (Q23-Q28) are “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 Antrim 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 your 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:
It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to support this with appropriate documentary evidence proving the child is unable to participate in any papers of the assessment. Parents/Guardians must provide details of the child’s SEAG Unique Pupil Number on the Transfer Application and Form SP.
In reaching the educational judgement needed to award the equivalent result that the child would have obtained in the SEAG under normal circumstances, the Admissions Committee will consider all material provided by parents/guardians in support of the application by uploading it to the Transfer Application, with the Form SP or SC. This material may include any or all of the following:
- The TSAS awarded by SEAG in the Entrance Assessment (if the child sits two SEAG Entrance Assessments) or the estimate score (e) provided by SEAG (if the child only sits one of the SEAG Entrance Assessments, due to the child’s illness, or other unforeseen circumstances);
- The child’s results in any standardised tests conducted in Primary 5, 6 and 7, and the results in any end of year tests conducted in Primary 5 and 6 in English and Mathematics;
- Comparative information from the Primary School, including: the results, without names, of other children in the child’s Primary 7 class of any standardised tests or practice papers conducted in Years 5, 6 and 7; the results in any end of year tests conducted in Primary 5 and 6 in English and Mathematics; and (where available) the respective TSAS awarded by SEAG;
- Any other relevant material.
It should be noted that independent evidence may carry greater weight. It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to provide the educational evidence. The Admissions Committee will make a decision based on the information available to it at the time and may use historical and comparative data collected from other schools.
Admissions to Year 8 following completion of the Transfer Procedure Should the Admissions Committee determine that a child who has arrived in Northern Ireland after the Transfer Process has been concluded and who is suitable for admission, however, the School’s Admissions Number has been reached, it can seek approval from the Department of Education to admit the child through the allocation of an additional place.
Waiting List Policy Parents/Guardians who wish to have their child considered for admission in the event of a place arising after the Transfer Procedure concludes at the end of May should write to the Principal stating this. An acknowledgement will be issued. If any place(s) subsequently become available and there are more children than places available, then decisions will be made on application of the Year 8 Admissions Criteria to those children seeking admission at the time the place(s) becomes available.
Verification of Information Those making applications should note that the information contained within an application that qualifies the child for admission will be verified. The Admissions Committee therefore reserves the right to require such supplementary evidence as it may determine to support or verify information on any Transfer Application. Those making applications should also note the provision of false information or incorrect information, or the failure to provide verifying documents according to the required deadline, may result in either withdrawal of a place or the inability of the School to offer a place.
Feeder Primary Schools The schools listed below are the primary schools which sent pupils (including statemented pupils) to Antrim Grammar School ranked in accordance with the actual number of pupils sent in the most recent 3 years, excluding 2021, so that a pupil from the school named at paragraph 3. (iii).1 will be admitted before a pupil from the school named at paragraph 3. (iii).2, and so on.
Rank Feeder Primary School Name
- Antrim Primary School
- St Comgall’s Primary School
- Templepatrick Primary School
- Loanends Primary School
- St Joseph’s Primary School, Crumlin
- Round Tower Integrated Primary School
- Crumlin Integrated Primary School
- St Joseph’s Primary School, Antrim
- Greystone Primary School
- Creavery Primary School
- Randalstown Central Primary School
- Kells and Connor Primary School
- Ashgrove Primary School
- Ballymacrickett Primary School
- Six Mile Integrated Primary School
- Ballycraigy Primary School
- Parkhall Primary School
- Parkgate Primary School
- McKinney Primary School
- The Thompson Primary School
- St Therese of Lisieux Primary School
- Ballyhenry Primary School
- Ballycarrickmaddy Primary School
- Carnaghts Primary School
- Doagh Primary School
- Earlview Primary School
- Glengormley Integrated Primary School
- Maghaberry Primary School
- Mossgrove Primary School
- Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School
- Straidhavern Primary School
- Woods Primary School
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA TO BE APPLIED TO ALL APPLICATIONS In the event that a place becomes available, all applications on the reserve list will be considered. Applications will only be considered if places are available within the School Enrolment Number of 740. The maximum number of places per year, other than in exceptional circumstances, is 115 places, subject to an overall enrolment number of 740. Applications to Years 11 and 12 are also conditional upon places being available within classes to support the child’s subject choices. Applications to Year 12 will not normally be considered.
The following criteria will be applied progressively in the order set down below:
- Applicants who have sat a Cognitive Ability Test, as directed by Antrim Grammar School, and been awarded a mean SAS score in Quantitative and Verbal greater than or equal to 105 and whose most recent reports from their present school (and previous schools, if applicable) satisfy the Principal on past school record and achievement, including attendance, behaviour and punctuality. (A satisfactory attendance rate would be 95% or higher). In the case of applicants whose attendance may have been affected by clearly documented medical or other problems, the Principal is empowered, in exceptional circumstances, to consider this. Each case will be carefully assessed by the Principal and will necessarily take into account appropriate documentary evidence, medical or otherwise. In such a case the decision of the Principal will be final;
- Applicants will be rank ordered based on their Cognitive Ability Test, specifically their mean SAS score in Quantitative and Verbal greater than 105;
- Applicants who have become resident in the Antrim and Newtownabbey Council area within three months of the date of consideration of their application will be considered before other children;
- If after all the criteria above have been exhausted it becomes necessary to make a final selection, priority will be given to an applicant whose home is closer to the School. Distance will be measured in a straight line using an Ordnance Survey web distance measurement tool from the pupil’s home to the front entrance of the School.
Should the Board of Governors determine that an applicant who has moved into the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area after the Admissions process has been concluded, and for whom a suitable curriculum can be provided with existing resources, is suitable for admission, and that our Enrolment Number has been reached, it will seek approval from the Department of Education to admit the child through allocation of an additional place.
For more detailed Admissions Policy document, visit the Antrim Grammar School website.
