🏫 Dalriada School, Ballymoney – SEAG Practice Papers with Video Explanations
Voluntary Grammar School | Co-educational | Ballymoney, Co. Antrim | Ages 11–18
📚 History of Dalriada School, Ballymoney
Dalriada School, located in Ballymoney, County Antrim, is a distinguished co-educational grammar school with deep historical roots. The school dates back to 1878, originally founded as Ballymoney Intermediate School. In 1924, it was renamed Dalriada School, taking its name from the ancient kingdom of Dalriada, which once spanned parts of present-day Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Dalriada has grown to become one of the top-performing grammar schools in Northern Ireland, combining tradition with innovation. The school is known for its inclusive ethos, academic rigour, and commitment to excellence in both academics and extra-curricular life.
👨🎓 Pupil Numbers & School Structure
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Total Pupils: ~940
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Year 8 Intake: ~128 pupils
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Sixth Form: ~230 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
Dalriada School consistently ranks among the top grammar schools in Northern Ireland, renowned for its academic success and strong pastoral care. The school encourages a culture of high expectations, critical thinking, and personal development.
✅ Academic Strengths:
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Strong in Sciences, Maths, Languages, English, and Music
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Outstanding GCSE and A-Level performance across all subjects
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Excellent record for university progression, including Oxbridge, Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, and other Russell Group institutions
📊 Academic Results:
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GCSEs:
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~100% of students achieve 5+ GCSEs at grades A–C*, including English and Maths
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~90%+ of GCSE grades at A–B*
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A-Levels:
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~90%+ of grades at A–C*
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High proportion of students accepted into competitive university courses including Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Teaching
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🏆 Awards & Recognition
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ETI Reports highlight:
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Outstanding teaching and learning
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Effective leadership and student support
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High levels of achievement and motivation
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Success in:
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UK Maths Challenge
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Physics and Chemistry Olympiads
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Young Enterprise NI
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Public speaking and debating competitions
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Strong music and drama reputation, with:
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Regional and national music awards
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Success at the BBC School Choir of the Year
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Recognised in:
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Eco-Schools Programme
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Duke of Edinburgh’s Award success
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🏫 Dalriada School – Contact Information
School Name: Dalriada School
Type: Co-educational Voluntary Grammar School (Ages 11–18)
Location: Ballymoney, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
📍 Address:
Dalriada School
St. James’s Road
Ballymoney
County Antrim
BT53 6BL
Northern Ireland
United Kingdom
☎️ Telephone:
+44 (0)28 2766 3066
📧 Email:
🌐 Website:
https://www.dalriadaschool.com
📱 Social Media:
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Facebook: Dalriada School Ballymoney
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Twitter/X: @DalriadaSchool
SEAG Score Needed to get into Dalriada School Ballymoney
Below is historical scores for Dalriada School Ballymoney from 2022 to 2014.
2022 Lowest Grade – AQE – 101
2021 N/A
2020 Lowest Grade – AQE – 100
2019 Lowest Grade – AQE – 103
2018 Lowest Grade – AQE – 103
2017 Lowest Grade – AQE – 104
2016 Lowest Grade – AQE – 105
2015 Lowest Grade – AQE – 101
2014 Lowest Grade – AQE – 103
As you can see from the above stats 103 score in AQE test, in most years will have got you into Dalriada School Ballymoney. The highest score needed was 105 in 2016 for AQE and lowest score was 100 in 2020.
A 105 score in old AQE test is equivalent to 206 in new SEAG test, so based on past intake a minimum score of 206+ in SEAG test would give your child a very high chance of getting accepted into Dalriada School Ballymoney.
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 Dalriada School Ballymoney
Preparing for the SEAG Transfer Test effectively is crucial to securing a place at highly competitive grammar schools like Dalriada School Ballymoney. 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.
Dalriada School Ballymoney 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 Dalriada School Ballymoney.
Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for Dalriada School Ballymoney 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 Dalriada School Ballymoney 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 Criteria
If applications exceed available places (~128), the following criteria apply:
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SEAG Transfer Test result – ranked by score
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Siblings of current or past pupils
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Children of staff or former pupils
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Applicants from contributory primary schools
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Proximity to school (tie-breaker)
✅ Special Circumstances may apply to:
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Pupils with SEN
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Illness, bereavement, or family relocation
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Requires documentation and EA Board consideration
📅 Admissions Timeline
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| SEAG Registration Opens | May |
| SEAG Registration Closes | September |
| SEAG Test Dates | November (2 Saturdays) |
| Results Released to Parents | January |
| EA Application Portal Opens | Late January |
| Application Deadline | February |
| School Offers Announced | March |
SEAG Exam Information for ‘Dalriada School Ballymoney’.
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. Dalriada School Ballymoney is a SEAG School. Dalriada School Ballymoney 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 Dalriada School Ballymoney
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:
Dalriada School, as a co-educational grammar school, provides secondary education for girls and boys in the upper band of the range of academic ability. The School draws its pupils from a wide geographical area and from the full range of social, religious and cultural backgrounds. When considering which children should be selected for admission, the Education Committee of the Board of Governors will only take into account information which is detailed on or attached to the Transfer Application. Parentsshould therefore ensure that all information pertaining to their child and relevant to the school’s admission criteria is stated on the online transfer application or uploaded onto it.
Children resident in Northern Ireland, at the time of their proposed admission, will be selected for admission before any other child. If the number of applications for Year 8 exceeds the number of places available, pupils will be selected for admission according to the following criteria. They are set out in order of priority.
Criterion 1
Academic ability is indicated only by the result awarded in the SEAG Entrance Assessment. Children will be admitted in rank order according to their total standardised age score result with higher scores preceding lower scores. Please ensure that you provide the score in the SEAG Entrance Assessment test by attaching/uploading an image of the original SEAG Entrance Assessment score notification sheet provided by SEAG to the Online Transfer Application via the EA portal.
Applications for Special Circumstances/Special Provision will be considered by the Education Committee of the Board of Governors. Where it is accepted, the Education Committee will determine, on the basis of the information available, a score for the pupil. The pupil will then be considered with all other pupils who have received an SEAG Entrance Assessment score and the Admissions Criteria applied. In both Special Circumstances and Special Provision, the School will examine other relevant factors, as explained below, in assessing those qualifying candidates. It is important that those seeking such qualifications make sure that the relevant material and evidence is submitted, setting out clearly why the criteria for this consideration should be applicable.
a) Special Circumstances
b) An exception may be made where there is documentary evidence that a child’s overall SEAG Entrance Assessment result may have been adversely affected by medical or other problems. Parents who wish to claim Special Circumstances should:
(i) read carefully Dalriada School’s Admissions Criteria. The Education Committee of the Board of Governors will consider claims and decide on the validity of each case.
(ii) Download and complete Form SC from the Dalriada School website and upload on to the EA portal along with supporting evidence. To validate the claim it is essential that all evidence is documented and provided at the time of application
• where the problem is a medical one, the school will require the production of evidence that the pupil was examined by a medical practitioner in relation to the illness at the time of the assessment.
• where the problem is of a non-medical nature, appropriate evidence should be provided.
• objective documentary educational evidence must be provided. This should include, where they exist, the results for the pupil of any standardised test conducted in Year 5, Year 6 and Year 7 and the results in any end of year tests in English and Maths and any other appropriate test results.
(b) Special Provision
If the child has not taken the SEAG Entrance Assessment for one of the reasons below, other evidence of academic ability and aptitude will be considered in deciding whether the applicant should be admitted:
(i) transfer from a school outside Northern Ireland after the closing date to register to sit the SEAG Assessment.
(ii) more than half of primary education received outside Northern Ireland.
(iii) a child was entered for the SEAG Entrance Assessment and, because of unforeseen and serious medical or other problems was unable to sit the SEAG Entrance Assessment or had an estimated outcome because they only sat one of the two Entrance Assessment papers.
(iv) for exceptional reasons, a child was not registered to sit the SEAG Entrance Assessment.
Parents who wish to claim Special Provision should contact Dalriada School as soon as possible and must • read carefully the requirements set out in Dalriada School’s admissions criteria. The Education Committee of the Board of Governors will consider claims and decide on the validity of each case. • download and complete Form SP from Dalriada School website and upload onto the EA portal along with supporting evidence required to validate the claim. It is essential that all evidence is documented and provided at the time of application. • all special provision applicants must undergo a psychometric assessment administered by Dalriada School.
Where it is necessary to distinguish between children who have been awarded the same score in the SEAG Entrance Assessment the criteria 2-5 will be used.
Criterion 2 Children who, at the date of their application, are members of a family with a child currently enrolled at Dalriada School.
Criterion 3 Children whose family previously had a child enrolled at Dalriada School.
Criterion 4 Children who, at the date of their application are the eldest child (including twins and other multiples) of the family eligible to apply for admission to Dalriada School.
Criterion 5 The age of the child, preference being given to an older child.
Dalriada School Ballymoney website for a more detailed Admissions Policy document – the https://www.dalriada.wholeschoollearning.com
