🏫 Coleraine Grammar School – SEAG Practice Papers with Video Explanations
Voluntary Grammar School | Co-educational | Coleraine, Co. Londonderry | Ages 11–18
📚 History of Coleraine Grammar School
Coleraine Grammar School (CGS) was established in 2015 through the amalgamation of two long-standing grammar schools:
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Coleraine Academical Institution (founded 1860 – boys’ school)
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Coleraine High School (founded 1874 – girls’ school)
The merger created a co-educational grammar school with a rich heritage, combining academic excellence, strong traditions, and a modern, inclusive approach to education.
CGS operates across two campuses in Coleraine:
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Years 8–10: Lodge Road Campus
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Years 11–14 (Senior School): Castlerock Road Campus
The school motto, “In Scientia Opportunitas” (In Knowledge, Opportunity), reflects its commitment to academic achievement and opening doors for future success.
👨🎓 Pupil Numbers & School Structure
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Total Pupils: ~1,050
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Year 8 Intake: ~140 pupils
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Sixth Form: ~250 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
Coleraine Grammar School is recognised as one of the top-performing grammar schools in the North Coast region of Northern Ireland, known for its academic strength, broad curriculum, and supportive environment.
✅ Academic Strengths:
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High achievement in Sciences, Maths, Languages, English, and Technology
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Wide subject choice at GCSE and A-Level, including vocational options
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Strong careers education and high university entrance rates, including to Queen’s, Ulster University, and Russell Group universities
📊 Academic Results:
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GCSEs:
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~98–100% of pupils achieve 5+ GCSEs at grades A–C*, including English and Maths
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~85–90% of grades at A–B*
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A-Levels:
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~85–90% of grades at A–C*
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Many pupils accepted into competitive courses such as Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Business
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🏆 Awards & Recognition
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Highly praised in ETI inspections for:
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Teaching and learning
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Pastoral care and pupil wellbeing
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Academic achievement
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Awards and achievements in:
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Young Enterprise NI
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UK Maths Challenge, Science Olympiads
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Public Speaking and Debating Competitions
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Strong musical tradition with achievements in:
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Choral festivals, instrumental competitions, and school productions
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Recognised for:
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Eco-Schools Green Flag
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Engagement with community and charity programmes
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🏫 Coleraine Grammar School – Contact Information
School Name: Coleraine Grammar School
Type: Co-educational Voluntary Grammar School (Ages 11–18)
Location: Coleraine, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland
📍 Address (Senior Site):
Coleraine Grammar School
Castlerock Road
Coleraine
County Londonderry
BT51 3LA
Northern Ireland
United Kingdom
☎️ Telephone:
+44 (0)28 7034 4331
📧 Email:
🌐 Website:
https://www.colerainegrammar.com
📱 Social Media:
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Facebook: Coleraine Grammar School
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Twitter/X: @ColeraineGS
SEAG Score Needed to get into Coleraine Grammar School
Below is historical scores for Coleraine Grammar School from 2024 to 2014.
2024 Lowest Grade – SEAG – 182
2023 Lowest Grade – AQE – 91
2022 Lowest Grade – AQE – 86
2021 N/A
2020 Lowest Grade – AQE – 91
2019 Lowest Grade – AQE – 90
2018 Lowest Grade – AQE – 90
2017 Lowest Grade – AQE – 86
2016 Lowest Grade – AQE – 94
2015 Lowest Grade – AQE – 92
2014 Lowest Grade – AQE – 94
As you can see from the above stats 91 in AQE test in recent years will have got you into Coleraine Grammar School. The highest score needed was 94 in both 2014. We also have information on the SEAG score for 2024. The lowest SEAG score to get a place at Coleraine Grammar School in 2024 was 182.
A 94 score in old AQE test is equivalent to 185 in new SEAG test, so based on past intake a minimum score of 185+ in SEAG test would give your child a very high chance of getting accepted into Coleraine Grammar School. As we can see a score of 182 got you a place at Coleraine Grammar School in 2024 so the guide for past scores (94 AQE score is 185 in SEAG) was not far of the mark. We would still recommend getting a score above 185+ in new SEAG test to have a high chance of getting accepted at Coleraine 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 Coleraine Grammar School
Preparing for the SEAG Transfer Test effectively is crucial to securing a place at highly competitive grammar schools like Coleraine 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.
Coleraine 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 Coleraine Grammar School.
Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for Coleraine 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 Coleraine 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.
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📋 Admissions Criteria
If applications exceed places (~140), CGS applies the following criteria:
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SEAG Transfer Test result – ranked in descending order
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Siblings of current or former pupils
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Children of staff or former pupils
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Pupils from contributory primary schools
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Geographical proximity to the school
✅ Special Circumstances considered for:
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SEN
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Illness or bereavement
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Pupils recently arrived in Northern Ireland
(Requires documented evidence)
📅 Admissions Timeline
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| SEAG Registration Opens | May |
| SEAG Registration Closes | September |
| SEAG Test Dates | November (2 Saturdays) |
| Results Released to Parents | January |
| EA Online Application Opens | Late January |
| Application Deadline | February |
| School Offers Issued | March |
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Junior Campus (Years 8–10): Lodge Road, Coleraine, BT52 1LZ
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Senior Campus (Years 11–14): Castlerock Road, Coleraine, BT51 3LA
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SEAG Exam Information for ‘Coleraine 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. Coleraine Grammar School is a SEAG School. Coleraine 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:
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 Coleraine 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:
Coleraine Grammar School is a prestigious voluntary grammar school which opened on 1st September 2015. Coleraine Grammar School is a co-educational, 11-18, non-denominational school, building on the foundations provided by Coleraine High School and Coleraine Academical Institution, which offered excellent post-primary education in Coleraine for 150 years.
Voluntary Contribution Coleraine Grammar School has an annual parental contribution of £290 payable as £29 per month (x10) for the first child, with a 25% reduction for the second child and 50% reduction for the third child or subsequent child up to a maximum contribution per family of £65 per month (x10)
ADMISSIONS PROCESS and ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR YEAR 8 – After consideration of claims for Special Circumstances and Special Provision and determining any appropriate SEAG scores for SC and SP pupils, 156 places in Year 8 will be allocated to pupils on the basis of rank order of their respective SEAG scores. Pupils achieving higher scores will be allocated places before pupils with lower scores. Parents are advised to record the score awarded by SEAG, together with the SEAG Candidate Number (UPN) on the Application Form/Transfer Form and upload the statement of result. If several pupils are eligible for the final place because they have equal scores, the place will be allocated by applying progressively the tie-breaker criteria which will be applied to each child solely on the basis of the information provided on or uploaded to the Application Form/Transfer Form.
Tie Breaker Criteria
i. Children who, at the date of application, have a child of the family*currently enrolled at Coleraine Grammar School. *Please see page 30 of Department of Education Circular 2023/15 ‘The Procedure for Transfer from Primary to Post-Primary Education’ for guidance on the term ‘child of the family’.
ii. Random selection: a numbered disc representing each child’s name will be placed in a ‘hat’, and an independent person will withdraw the required number of discs from the ‘hat’, under the observation of a second independent person and a school representative. Places will be allocated, and a waiting list will be formed according to the order in which the discs are withdrawn.
When considering which children should be selected for admission, the Board of Governors will only take into account information which is detailed on or uploaded to the Application Form/Transfer Form. Parents should therefore ensure that all information pertaining to their child and relevant to the school’s admissions criteria is stated on the Application Form/Transfer Form or uploaded to it.
In accordance with statutory requirements, when applying the admissions criteria, the Board of Governors sub committee will select a pupil resident in Northern Ireland on 1st September 2024 before a pupil not resident at that date.
Coleraine Grammar School website for a more detailed Admissions Policy document – the https://colerainegrammar.com
