Dominican College, Portstewart: SEAG Practice Papers

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

Catholic Voluntary Grammar School | Girls | Portstewart, Co. Londonderry | Ages 11–18

📚 History of Dominican College, Portstewart

Dominican College, Portstewart is a Catholic girls’ grammar school founded in 1917 by the Dominican Sisters, part of the Dominican religious order renowned worldwide for its dedication to education, truth, and faith.

The school is uniquely situated on a cliff-top location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, offering a stunning and inspiring learning environment in Portstewart, County Londonderry.

Over the decades, Dominican College has become synonymous with academic excellence, pastoral care, and Catholic values, combining its rich spiritual heritage with a modern curriculum and holistic approach to education.

The school motto, “Veritas” (Truth), is the central pillar of its Dominican identity.

👨‍🎓 Pupil Numbers & School Structure

Total Pupils: ~500
Year 8 Intake: ~90–100 pupils
Sixth Form: ~150–180 students
Gender: Girls only
Age Range: 11–18
School Type: Catholic Voluntary Grammar School
Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic (welcoming pupils of all backgrounds)

🎓 Academic Reputation

Dominican College Portstewart is widely recognised as one of Northern Ireland’s top Catholic girls’ grammar schools, particularly in the North Coast region. The school maintains a strong record in public examination results and is known for its supportive ethos and high standards.

✅ Academic Strengths:

High performance in English, Science, Maths, Religious Studies, and Languages
Strong teaching in Creative and Performing Arts, with particular success in Music and Drama
Excellent progression to Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, and Russell Group universities

📊 Academic Performance:

GCSEs:
- ~100% of pupils achieve 5+ GCSEs at grades A–C*, including English and Maths
- ~90%+ of grades are typically at A–B*
A-Levels:
- ~85–90% of grades at A–C*
- High success rate in Medicine, Nursing, Education, Law, and Sciences

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Praised by ETI (Education and Training Inspectorate) for:
- Excellent teaching and learning standards
- Holistic student development and pastoral support
- Faith-based education and leadership development
Success in:
- Pope John Paul II Award
- Young Enterprise NI
- UK Maths Challenge, Science competitions, and Essay contests
Recognition for:
- Eco-Schools initiatives
- Choir and music festival performances
- Contribution to the Catholic Schools’ ethos and community outreach

🏫 Dominican College, Portstewart – Contact Information

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

📍 Address:

Dominican College
2 Strand Road
Portstewart
County Londonderry
BT55 7PF
Northern Ireland
United Kingdom

☎️ Telephone:

+44 (0)28 7083 2715

SEAG Score Needed to get into Dominican College, Portstewart

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

2023 Lowest Score – 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 – PPTC/GL – 213
2015 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 219
2014 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 213

As you can see from the above stats and 213 in PPTC/GL in most years will have got you into Dominican College, Portstewart. The highest score needed was 219 in 2023.
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, Portstewart.

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 Dominican College, Portstewart

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

Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for Dominican College, Portstewart 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, Portstewart 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 places (~90–100), the school applies the following criteria:

SEAG Transfer Test result – ranked order
Baptised Catholic girls
Siblings of current or former pupils
Daughters of staff or past pupils
Pupils from named contributory Catholic primary schools
Proximity to the school (tie-breaker)

✅ Special Circumstances considered for:

SEN, illness, bereavement, or recent relocation to NI
Supporting documentation required

📅 Admissions Timeline

Stage	Date
SEAG Registration Opens	May
SEAG Registration Closes	September
SEAG Tests	November (2 Saturdays)
Results Released to Parents	January
EA Application Portal Opens	Late January
Application Deadline	February
School Offers Made	March

SEAG Exam Information for Dominican College, Portstewart

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. Our Lady’s Grammar School is a SEAG School. Dominican College, Portstewart 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, Portstewart

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:
The Board of Governors has agreed that in the event that the number of applications for places at the College exceeds the College Admissions Number of 100, the criteria set out below will be used. Pupils will be admitted in the following order until 100 places have been filled in total:
1) Preference will be given to all children who give Dominican College as their 1st preference school on the application form.
2) Pupils who have a child of the family* currently enrolled in the College.
3) Pupils who do not fulfil criterion (a) but had a child of the family* enrolled in the College for 2 or more years.
4) Pupils who are the first or only child in a family.
5) Pupils who have a parent who is currently a permanent member of staff at Dominican College Portstewart.
6) Pupils who have a parent* who was enrolled at the College for 2 or more years.
7) Pupils who are from the following Primary Schools: St Colum’s Primary School Portstewart, Portstewart Primary School or St Patrick’s Primary School Portrush.
8) Pupils who are from other Traditional Feeder Primary Schools**.
9) The age of the pupil as entered on the birth certificate – preference being given to the older pupil(s). * Full name(s) and dates must be included on the application form. ** Traditional Feeder Primary School is defined as one from which one or more pupils have transferred to Dominican College within the last 7 school years (i.e. after 30th June 2017) This information is available from the school office.
Visit Dominican College, Portstewart website for a more detailed Admissions Policy document – https://dominicanportstewart.com

Dominican College, Portstewart Information

11+

SEAG

Dominican College, Portstewart Information

Age:11+

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