🏫 Bloomfield Collegiate School, Belfast – SEAG Practice Papers with Video Explanations
Controlled Grammar School | Girls | Belfast, Northern Ireland | Ages 11–18
📚 History of Bloomfield Collegiate School
Bloomfield Collegiate School was established in 1905 as a private girls’ school in East Belfast. It became a controlled grammar school in the mid-20th century and has since grown into one of Northern Ireland’s leading all-girls schools. Bloomfield is located in Ballyhackamore, a vibrant suburb of Belfast, and is well known for its academic focus, traditional values, and supportive learning environment.
The school has maintained a proud tradition of excellence in girls’ education for over a century, while embracing modern teaching practices, digital learning, and leadership development.
👨🎓 Pupil Numbers & School Structure
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Total Pupils: ~800
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Year 8 Intake: ~100–110 pupils
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Sixth Form: ~180 students
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Gender: Girls only
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Age Range: 11–18
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School Type: Controlled Grammar School
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Religious Ethos: Non-denominational (welcoming all faiths)
🎓 Academic Reputation
Bloomfield Collegiate has a strong academic reputation, particularly in English, Languages, STEM subjects, and the Arts. It offers a well-balanced curriculum and personalised support for student progress. The school is also recognised for its pastoral care, ensuring that students feel valued and safe in their learning environment.
✅ Academic Strengths:
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Consistently good results in GCSE and A-Level exams
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Strong university progression rates to Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, and other UK institutions
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Support for careers in Medicine, Law, Teaching, Engineering, Business, and the Arts
📊 Academic Performance:
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GCSEs:
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~95–98% of pupils achieve 5+ GCSEs at grades A–C*, including English and Maths
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~75–85% of grades at A–B*
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A-Levels:
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~80–85% of grades at A–C*
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Excellent support for UCAS and CAO applications
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🏫 Bloomfield Collegiate School – Contact Information
School Name: Bloomfield Collegiate School
Type: All-Girls Voluntary Grammar School (Ages 11–18)
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland
📍 Address:
Bloomfield Collegiate School
Astoria Gardens
Belfast
BT5 6HW
Northern Ireland
United Kingdom
☎️ Telephone:
+44 (0)28 9047 1455
📧 Email:
info@bloomfield.belfast.ni.sch.uk
🌐 Website:
https://www.bloomfieldcollegiate.org.uk
📱 Social Media:
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Facebook: Bloomfield Collegiate School
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Twitter/X: @BCS_Belfast
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Instagram: @bloomfieldcollegiate
You can view the school’s location on the map below:
SEAG Score Needed to get into Bloomfield Collegiate Belfast
Below is historical scores for Bloomfield Collegiate Belfast from 2023 to 2014.
2023 Lowest Grade – AQE – 84
2022 Lowest Grade – AQE – 92
2021 N/A
2020 Lowest Grade – AQE – 92
2019 Lowest Grade – AQE – 92
2018 Lowest Grade – AQE – 92
2017 Lowest Grade – AQE – 90
2016 Lowest Grade – AQE – 85
2015 Lowest Grade – AQE – 90
2014 Lowest Grade – AQE – 91
As you can see from the above stats 92 in AQE test in recent years will have got you into Bloomfield Collegiate Belfast. The highest score needed was 92 in years 2022, 2020, 2019 & 2018.
A 92 score in old AQE test is equivalent to 182 in new SEAG test, so based on past intake a minimum score of 182+ in SEAG test would give your child a very high chance of getting accepted into Bloomfield Collegiate Belfast.
SEAG Comparison with historical AQE and PPTC outcomes:
Approx PPTC / GL Equivalent SAS | SEAG TSAS | Approx AQE Equivalent SAS | SEAG Band | SEAG Cohort Percentile |
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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 |
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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 Bloomfield Collegiate Belfast
Preparing for the SEAG Transfer Test effectively is crucial to securing a place at highly competitive grammar schools like Bloomfield Collegiate Belfast. 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.
Bloomfield Collegiate Belfast 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 Bloomfield Collegiate Belfast.
Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for Bloomfield Collegiate Belfast 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 Bloomfield Collegiate Belfast 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! 🚀
🧪 SEAG Transfer Test Format
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Two papers taken in November:
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English (Literacy) – Comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, punctuation
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Mathematics (Numeracy) – Arithmetic, reasoning, problem-solving
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Format includes multiple-choice and written-response questions
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Scores are age-standardised and combined to produce a ranking score
📌 Register online at: www.seagni.co.uk
📋 Admissions Criteria (Subject to Annual Review)
If applications exceed available places (~100–110), the following criteria apply:
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Applicants with a valid SEAG Transfer Test score, ranked by performance
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Siblings of current or former pupils
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Children of staff or past pupils
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Pupils attending named contributory primary schools
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Geographical proximity to the school (used as a tie-breaker)
✅ Special Circumstances and Provisions (e.g. illness, bereavement, SEN, relocation) may be considered with supporting documentation.
📅 Admissions Timeline
Stage | Date |
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SEAG Registration Opens | May |
SEAG Registration Closes | September |
SEAG Test Dates | November (Two Saturdays) |
SEAG Results Sent to Parents | January |
EA Application Portal Opens | Late January |
Application Deadline | February |
Offers Announced | March |
SEAG Exam Information for ‘Bloomfield Collegiate Belfast’.
SEAG Information for ‘Bloomfield Collegiate Belfast’.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. Bloomfield Collegiate Belfastis a SEAG School. Bloomfield Collegiate Belfast 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 Bloomfield Collegiate BelfastMost 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.
Whilst the School does not use preference as part of its criteria for admission, it is important to note how such preference may affect the general admission process to a post primary school. All applications for admission will be considered in the first instance by the post primary school listed as first preference and should the applicant be successful in gaining entrance to that school, they will not be considered by the schools listed as second preference and so on. However, should an applicant be unsuccessful in gaining entrance to a school of higher preference and thereby come forward for entrance to Bloomfield Collegiate School, the criteria will be applied to the applicant. She will be ranked in the first instance by the SEAG TSAS alongside all other applicants irrespective of preference.
Definitions
“applicant” means the parent or guardian who completes and digitally signs the Transfer Application on behalf of the child;
“child of the family” covers: a child born to a married couple or to a couple in a civil partnership; a child born to a co- habiting couple; a child born to a single parent; a child of either/any of those people by a previous marriage, civil partnership or relationship; a child living with a couple who has been treated as a “child of the family” whether there is a marriage or a civil partnership or not; a child living with an individual, who has been treated as a “child of the family”; an adopted or fostered child; a situation where for example an orphaned cousin is being brought up with a family or individual.
“eldest” includes twins and other multiple birth applicants, who will be regarded as joint eldest. The “eldest eligible child” criterion will also apply in the case where a family has not had the opportunity to enrol an elder child, such as in cases where the elder child has completed their post-primary education, was statemented or could not attend mainstream school (e.g. attends a special school), or where a family has relocated to Northern Ireland.
“normal home address” will mean the child’s permanent home address at the time the application form is being completed. This should be where the parent and child live and where the child spends the majority of the School week (Monday to Friday including nights). Where the child lives with parents with shared responsibility, it is for the parents to determine which address is to be used;
“parent” will mean a person who at the date of application has legal responsibility for the child;
1. INTRODUCTION
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.
1.2 SEAG is very clear that its Entrance Assessment consists of two papers. A pupil who only takes one paper (i.e. either Paper 1 or Paper 2 but not both) will not have completed the full Entrance Assessment. Such pupils will, however, have their “single paper” marked and will receive a Statement of Outcomes. Outcomes for pupils who only sit one paper will have the designation “e” (for estimate) immediately after the Outcome, e.g. TSAS 196e. Such pupils may be considered for admission by Bloomfield Collegiate School under Special Provision – see below.
1.3 The School will not use the position of preference given to it on the Transfer Application as a criterion for admission. Therefore, an applicant who has chosen Bloomfield Collegiate as a second or subsequent preference School will not be distinguished from first preference applicants.
1.4 Children who are resident in Northern Ireland at the time of proposed admission will be selected before those not so resident. The child’s Birth Certificate and proof of normal home address should be uploaded with the Transfer Application. Proof of address – any TWO of the following recent documents (within six months or billing period) with sensitive information redacted: Bank/building society statement; Utility bill (e.g. electricity, gas, TV licence, landline telephone); Addressed payslip; Letter awarding Child Benefit to the child or another letter relating to this benefit; Mortgage statement; Land and Property Services Rates Demand; Financial statement such as ISA, Pension or Endowment; Current Driving licence; Rental agreement.
1.5 The School’s Admission Number is currently 110.
2. ADMISSIONS CRITERIA
2.1 The places available up to the School’s Admission Number will be allocated to children on the basis of the rank order of their respective TSAS scores, those achieving higher scores being allocated places before those with lower scores in strict rank order. If several children are eligible for the 110th place because they have equal scores, then all such children will be allocated places up to the School’s Admission Number, using the criteria in section 2.3, if necessary. The TSAS in the SEAG Entrance Assessment should be entered, along with the SEAG Unique Pupil Number, on the Transfer Application.
2.2 If, following application of section 2.1, all the available places within the School’s Admission Number have not been filled, the School will consider children who have not taken the SEAG Entrance Assessment. Allocation of any such remaining places will be made by applying the criteria in section 2.3.
2.3 If the number of applications exceeds the number of available places, then the following criteria shall apply in the order stated:
i. Children with a child of the family currently enrolled in the School.
ii. Children who are the eldest girl in the family to be eligible to transfer to a mainstream Post-Primary School in Northern Ireland
iii. Children with a child of the family enrolled in Years 8-14 at an all-boys post-primary school
iv. Children who are transferring from one of the following primary schools from which pupils have been admitted in three of the last five years or which are within reasonable walking distance (three miles). No priority will be given to any particular school:
Abbey PS (Newtownards), Andrews Memorial PS, Braniel PS, Brooklands PS, Cairnshill PS, Carrowdore PS, Castle Gardens PS, Comber PS, Dundonald PS, Elmgrove PS, Euston Street PS, Forge IPS, Gilnahirk PS, Harding Memorial PS, Holywood PS, Killinchy PS, Knockbreda PS, Knocknagoney PS, Leadhill PS, Lisnasharragh PS, Londonderry PS, Loughview IPS, Moneyrea PS, Nettlefield PS, Newtownards Model PS, Orangefield PS, Rosetta PS, St. Bernard’s PS, St. Joseph’s PS (Holland Drive), St. Matthew’s PS, St. Patrick’s PS (Holywood), Strandtown PS, Stranmillis PS, Strathearn Preparatory Department, Victoria PS (Newtownards), Victoria Park PS.
V. Tie-breaker: In the unlikely event that the criteria above, applied in the order listed, have not resolved the final place in Bloomfield Collegiate School, this final place will be determined using selection based on a computer-based process which makes use of the names as entered on the Transfer Application. The ranking process is carried out by means of a computer programme which, for each applicant, generates a ranking number using the details from the Transfer Application as the seed for a random number generator. The ranking number generated, for any given applicant, is dependent only on the applicant’s name (as entered 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 programme, what the result will be for any given set of details. Applicants with the highest ranking numbers will be given places up to the number of places available. Further details may be obtained from the Principal.
vi. If there are still places available after consideration of all the children who have taken the SEAG Entrance Assessment and been awarded a Total Standardised Age Score (TSAS) by SEAG (or a score assigned by the Education Committee in accordance with the arrangements for Special Circumstances and Special Provisions as set out below), the School will consider for admission any children who have not taken the SEAG Entrance Assessment. Such children, if they satisfy Section 1.4, will be allocated to the remaining place(s) up to the School’s Admissions Number using the sub criteria listed in Section 2 in the order set out.
*This is subject to satisfying verification requirements as set out below:
Proof of eldest child and/or brother attending an all-boys post-primary school should be uploaded with the Transfer Application – a letter on headed note paper, stating that the child is the eldest eligible child and/or has a brother attending an all-boys post-primary school 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.
Parents/Guardians must indicate on the Transfer Application which of the above sub-criteria apply and furnish relevant details. The Board of Governors will only take into account information which is detailed on, or uploaded with, the Transfer Application.
3. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
Bloomfield Collegiate School has academic performance as its first criterion, subject only to the consideration of medical or other problems which may have affected performance in the SEAG Entrance Assessment, and which are supported by documentary evidence of a medical or other appropriate nature. These ‘medical or other problems’ are commonly referred to as ‘special circumstances’. Please note, if a claim for Special Circumstances is made in respect of matters for which Special Access arrangements have been granted for a child, the School will take into account the fact that the child has already been granted Special Access arrangements for those matters.
Bloomfield Collegiate Belfast website for a more detailed Admissions Policy document – the https://bloomfieldcollegiate.org.uk SEAG Products for Bloomfield Collegiate BelfastOur practice Test Papers, Online Bootcamps, Live Tutor Bootcamps and Mock exams can give your child the edge over the competition for the SEAG exam, while also boosting their confidence which is an often overlooked issue. Our SEAG Practice Test Papers will allow your child to become more familiar with the test questions and to better understand the key topics being tested. Our SEAG Boot Camps will allow your child to master the key topics and our Mock Exams will give your child valuable exam experience.