Dominican College Belfast Information

🏫 Dominican College, Belfast – SEAG Practice Papers with Video Explanations

Catholic Voluntary Grammar School | Girls | Fortwilliam Park, Belfast | Ages 11–18

📚 History of Dominican College, Belfast

Dominican College, Belfast was established in 1930 by the Dominican Sisters, an order committed to truth, education, and the holistic development of young people. Located in North Belfast, on the historic Fortwilliam Park site overlooking Belfast Lough, the school has grown into one of Northern Ireland’s most respected Catholic grammar schools for girls.

The school remains grounded in its Dominican ethos, emphasising academic excellence, pastoral care, and Christian values. The motto, “Veritas” (Truth), reflects its enduring commitment to integrity, learning, and personal growth.

👨‍🎓 Pupil Numbers & School Structure

• Total Pupils: ~870

• Year 8 Intake: ~130 pupils

• Sixth Form: ~220 students

• Gender: Girls only

• Age Range: 11–18

• School Type: Catholic Voluntary Grammar School

• Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic (welcoming pupils of all faiths)

🎓 Academic Reputation

Dominican College, Belfast is consistently ranked among the top Catholic girls’ grammar schools in Northern Ireland. It is known for its high-achieving academic culture, a caring environment, and a strong sense of community and service.

✅ Academic Strengths:

• Particularly strong in Sciences, English, Maths, Business, Languages, and RE

• Excellent preparation for careers in Medicine, Law, Teaching, and Arts

• Regular progression to Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, and Russell Group universities

📊 Academic Results:

• GCSEs:

  • ~100% achieve 5+ GCSEs at grades A–C*, including English and Maths

  • ~90%+ of grades typically at A–B*

• A-Levels:

  • ~85–90% of grades at A–C*

  • Students go on to highly competitive courses across the UK and Ireland

🏆 Awards & Recognition

• ETI Inspections consistently praise the school for:

  • Outstanding teaching and learning

  • Excellent leadership

  • Effective pastoral care and safeguarding

• Recognition in:

  • Young Enterprise NI

  • BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition

  • UK Maths Challenge, Science Olympiads, and Essay competitions

• Awards for:

  • Music, drama, and visual arts excellence

  • Eco-Schools Green Flag status

  • Faith-based awards such as the Pope John Paul II Award

🏫 Dominican College, Belfast – Contact Information

School Name: Dominican College, Fortwilliam
Type: Catholic Voluntary Grammar School for Girls (Ages 11–18)
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland

📍 Address:

Dominican College
38 Fortwilliam Park
Belfast
BT15 4AQ
Northern Ireland
United Kingdom

☎️ Telephone:

+44 (0)28 9077 2783

📧 Email:

info@dominican.belfast.ni.sch.uk

🌐 Website:

https://www.dominicancollege.org.uk

📱 Social Media:

• Facebook: Dominican College Belfast

• Twitter/X: @DominicanClge

SEAG Score Needed to get into Dominican College Belfast

Below is historical scores for Dominican College Belfast from 2023 to 2014.

2023 Lowest Grade –PPTC/GL – 213
2022 Lowest Grade –PPTC/GL – 213
2021 N/A
2020 Lowest Grade –PPTC/GL – 219
2019 Lowest Grade –PPTC/GL – 219
2018 Lowest Grade –PPTC/GL – 219
2017 Lowest Grade –PPTC/GL – 213
2016 Lowest Grade – AQE – 99, PPTC/GL – 213
2015 Lowest Grade – AQE – 99, PPTC/GL – 219
2014 Lowest Grade – AQE – 99, PPTC/GL – 213

As you can see from the above stats 219 in PPTC/GL test in most years will have got you into Dominican College Belfast. The highest score needed was 219 in most years for PPTC/GL.
A 219 score in old PPTC\GL test is equivalent to 183 in new SEAG test, so based on past intake a minimum score of 183+ in SEAG test would give your child a very high chance of getting accepted into Dominican College Belfast.

SEAG Comparison with historical AQE and PPTC outcomes:

*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.

How to Use ExamTutor SEAG Transfer Test Practice Papers (with Video Explanations) to Achieve High Scores for Dominican College Belfast

Preparing for the SEAG Transfer Test effectively is crucial to securing a place at highly competitive grammar schools like Dominican College 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.

Dominican College 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 Dominican College Belfast.

Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for Dominican College 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 Dominican College 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! 🚀

📋 Admissions Criteria

If the number of applicants exceeds available places (~130), the school applies the following criteria:

1. SEAG Transfer Test score – ranked in descending order

2. Baptised Catholic girls

3. Siblings of current or past pupils

4. Children of staff or former pupils

5. Pupils from named contributory Catholic primary schools

6. Proximity to the school (tie-breaker)

✅ Special Circumstances considered for:

• Pupils with SEN

• Illness or family bereavement

• Newcomers to Northern Ireland
  (With documentation required)

📅 Admissions Timeline

SEAG Exam Information for ‘Dominican College 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. Dominican College Belfast is a SEAG School. Dominican College 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 Dominican College Belfast

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:
ADMISSIONS Applicants will be ranked in order of the Band attained in the SEAG Assessment, the Band awarded under Special Provisions, or the Band awarded under Special Circumstances, namely 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
A. First preference will be given to those applicants who have attained Band 1 in the SEAG Assessment or have been awarded Band 1 under Special Provisions or have been awarded Band 1 under Special Circumstances.
B. If places remain after all Band 1 applicants have been admitted, priority will be given to those applicants who have attained Band 2 in the SEAG Assessment or have been awarded Band 2 under Special Provisions or have been awarded Band 2 under Special Circumstances.
C. If places remain after all Band 2 applicants have been admitted, priority will be given to those applicants who have attained Band 3 in the SEAG Assessment or have been awarded Band 3 under Special Provisions or have been awarded Band 3 under Special Circumstances.
D. If places remain after all Band 3 applicants have been admitted, priority will be given to those applicants who have attained Band 4 in the SEAG Assessment or have been awarded Band 4 under Special Provisions or have been awarded Band 4 under Special Circumstances.
E. If places remain after all Band 4 applicants have been admitted, priority will be given to those applicants who have attained Band 5 in the SEAG Assessment or have been awarded Band 5 under Special Provisions or have been awarded Band 5 under Special Circumstances.
F. If places remain after all Band 5 applicants have been admitted, applicants who have attained Band 6 in the SEAG Assessment or have been awarded Band 6 under Special Provisions or have been awarded Band 6 under Special Circumstances will be admitted.
In the event of the number of applicants in a category under consideration (i.e. Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) exceeding the number of places available, priority will be given to pupils using the Sub Criteria below in the order set down below.
SUB CRITERIA
1. Applicants who have a sibling* (see note below) currently enrolled at Dominican College, or a sibling who has already been selected under the current transfer procedure. (Please state the name, year group and years attended of the sibling(s)). If after consideration of this criteria, there remain more applicants than places available, places will be allocated on the basis of Criteria 2.
2. Applicants who had a sibling* (see note below) previously enrolled at Dominican College. (Please state the name, year group and years attended of the sibling(s)). If after consideration of this criteria, there remain more applicants than places available, places will be allocated on the basis of Criteria 3.
3. Applicants who are the eldest girl of the family to be eligible to apply for admission to Dominican College. This criterion covers only children, and the Board of Governors will treat twins or other multiples as joint eldest. Applicants who consider that this criterion applies to them (as the ‘eldest’ girl of the family), must provide a verifying letter written on headed notepaper, and signed by one of the following, who is not a member of the child’s family: • Primary school principal • Family doctor • Parish priest/member of clergy known to the family If an applicant has an elder sibling who did not gain entry to Dominican College in previous years due to applying to Dominican College and not gaining entry, she shall be considered with all eldest girls (evidence must be provided). If after consideration of this criteria, there remain more applicants than places available, places will be allocated on the basis of Criteria 4.
4. Applicants who are entitled to Free School Meals** (see note below) If after consideration of this criteria, there remain more applicants than places available, places will be allocated on the basis of Criteria 5.
5. Applicants who are a Child Looked After.*** (see note below) If after consideration of this criteria, there remain more applicants than places available, places will be allocated on the basis of Criteria 6.
6. Applicants who are enrolled at the following feeder primary schools (no priority will be given to any particular school);
7. Abbots Cross P.S Holy Rosary P.S St Joseph’s P.S (Antrim) Antrim P.S Holy Trinity P.S St Joseph’s P.S (Belfast) Ashgrove P.S John Paul II PS (Belfast) St Joseph’s P.S (Crumlin) Ballyhenry P.S Ligoniel P.S St Joseph’s P.S (Lisburn) Ballymacrickett P.S Lowwood P.S St Kevin’s P.S Ballymacward P.S Mercy P.S St Macnissi’s P.S Ballysillan P.S Mossgrove P.S St Malachy’s P.S Ben Madigan Prep. Mount St Michael P.S St Mary’s On The Hil P.S Bunscoil an Tsleibhe Dhuibh (Belfast) Oakwood Integrated P.S St Mary’s P.S (Belfast) Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagain Our Lady of Lourdes P.S St Mary’s P.S (Kircubbin) Bunscoil Phobal Feirste Our Lady Queen of Peace St Mary’s Star of the Sea P.S Carrs Glen P.S Our Lady’s Girls P.S St Matthew’s P.S Cavehill P.S Scoil An Drochid St Michael’s P.S Christ the Redeemer P.S Scoil Na Fuiseoige St Nicholas’ P.S Cliftonville Integrated P.S Seaview PS St Oliver Plunkett P.S Crumlin Integrated P.S Springfield PS (Belfast) St Patrick’s P.S Elmgrove PS (Belfast) St Anne’s P.S St Patrick’s P.S (Ballynahinch) Fairview P.S (Ballyclare) St Bernards P.S (Belfast) St Paul’s P.S Gaelscoil Eanna St Bernard’s P.S (Glengormley) St Peter’s P.S Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach (Crumlin) St Bride’s P.S St Teresa’s P.S Gaelscoil Na Bhfal St Clare’s P.S St Therese of Lisieux P.S Glengormley Integrated P.S St Colman’s (Lambeg) St Vincent de Paul P.S Greenisland P.S St Colman’s P.S (Dromore) Templepatrick P.S Hazelwood Integrated P.S St Comgall’s P.S Whiteabbey P.S Holy Child P.S St James P.S Whitehead P.S Holy Cross Girls P.S St John the Baptist P.S Holy Family P.S St Joseph’s Holland Drive
If after consideration of this criteria, there remain more applicants than places available, places will be allocated on the basis of Criteria 7.
7. If after consideration of the above criteria there remain more applicants than places available, places will be allocated by date of birth as identified on the applicant’s birth certificate, supplied along with the online application. Priority will be given to the oldest applicant. If after consideration of this criteria, there remain more applicants than places available, places will be allocated on the basis of Criteria 8.
8. If after consideration of the above criteria, there remain more applicants than places available, places will be allocated on the basis of the initial and subsequent letters of the applicant’s surname followed by the initial and subsequent letters of the applicant’s forename(s) (as entered on the birth certificate). This letter order was determined by random computerised selection and verified by the Board of Governors.
*A “sibling” is regarded as a “child of the family”, as defined by DE in circular 2016/15. ** “entitled to Free School Meals” will mean applicants who are listed on the Education Authority register as entitled to Free School Meals at the date on which their Parent or Guardian has submitted their post-primary Transfer Application, or any date up to and including 4th March 2024. *** A Child Looked After is defined by the Children (NI) Order 1995 as children ‘who are in the care of a Trust or who are provided with accommodation by a Trust.’ (Accommodation may be in a residential home, residential school, foster placement or in a family placement with a relative or occasionally at home.)
Dominican College Belfast website for a more detailed Admissions Policy document – the www.dominicancollege.org.uk