🏫 Larne Grammar School – SEAG Practice Papers with Video Explanations
Voluntary Grammar School | Co-educational | Larne, County Antrim | Ages 11–18
📚 History of Larne Grammar School
Larne Grammar School (LGS) was founded in 1870, making it one of the longest-established grammar schools in County Antrim. Located on Lower Cairncastle Road, the school blends historic tradition with modern facilities and a progressive educational ethos. Originally a small boys’ grammar, it became fully co-educational in the 20th century and today serves pupils from Larne and a wide surrounding rural and urban area.
With a long-standing commitment to academic excellence and personal development, the school’s motto — “Probitas Doctrina” (Integrity through Learning) — captures its values of character, scholarship, and service.
👨🎓 Pupil Numbers & School Structure
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Total Pupils: ~750
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Year 8 Intake: ~100–110 pupils
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Sixth Form: ~160+ 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 Ethos: Non-denominational (inclusive Christian ethos)
🎓 Academic Reputation
Larne Grammar School is known for its strong academic performance, personalised pastoral care, and commitment to developing well-rounded individuals. Pupils consistently achieve excellent GCSE and A-Level results, and the school supports a wide range of career and university pathways.
✅ Academic Strengths:
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Strong in Sciences, English, Maths, Modern Languages, History, and ICT
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Encourages independent learning, critical thinking, and digital literacy
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Dedicated support for university applications, including UCAS and career advice
📊 Academic Performance:
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GCSEs:
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~97–100% of pupils achieve 5+ GCSEs at A–C*, including English and Maths
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~80–85% 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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Students frequently progress to Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, and other UK/Ireland universities
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🏫 Larne Grammar School – Contact Information
School Name: Larne Grammar School
Type: Co-educational Voluntary Grammar School (Ages 11–18)
Location: Larne, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
📍 Address:
Larne Grammar School
6 Lower Cairncastle Road
Larne
County Antrim
BT40 1PQ
Northern Ireland
United Kingdom
☎️ Telephone:
+44 (0)28 2827 2794
📧 Email:
🌐 Website:
https://www.larnegrammar.org.uk
📱 Social Media:
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Facebook: Larne Grammar School
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Twitter/X: @LarneGrammar
You can view the school’s location on the map below:
SEAG Score Needed to get into Larne Grammar School
Below is historical scores for Larne Grammar School from 2023 to 2014.
2023 Lowest Grade – AQE – 95
2022 Lowest Grade – AQE – 95
2021 N/A
2020 Lowest Grade – AQE – 93
2019 Lowest Grade – AQE – 94
2018 Lowest Grade – AQE – 92
2017 Lowest Grade – AQE – 93
2016 Lowest Grade – AQE – 92
2015 Lowest Grade – AQE – 86
2014 Lowest Grade – AQE – 90
As you can see from the above stats 95 in AQE test in most years will have got you into Larne Grammar School. The highest score needed was 95 in years 2022 & 2023.
A 95 score in AQE is equivalent to 187 in new SEAG test so based on past intake a minimum score of 187+ in SEAG test would give your child a very high chance of getting accepted into Larne 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 Larne Grammar School
Preparing for the SEAG Transfer Test effectively is crucial to securing a place at highly competitive grammar schools like Larne 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.
Larne 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 Larne Grammar School.
Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for Larne 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 Larne 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 oversubscribed (~100–110 places), the following criteria apply:
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Applicants with a 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 past pupils
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Pupils from contributory or partner primary schools
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Geographical proximity to the school (tie-breaker)
✅ Special Circumstances and Provisions (e.g. SEN, illness, bereavement, or newcomers to NI) may be considered with supporting documentation.
📅 Admissions Timeline
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| SEAG Registration Opens | May |
| SEAG Registration Closes | September |
| SEAG Test Dates | November (2 Saturdays) |
| SEAG Results Issued | January |
| EA Online Application Opens | Late January |
| Application Deadline | February |
| Offers Announced | March |
SEAG Exam Information for ‘Larne 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. Larne Grammar School is a SEAG School. Larne 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 Larne 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:
The School charges an annual Capital Fee of £100 per pupil (pupils in receipt of free school meals are exempt from the Capital Fee and a sibling discount of £40 per child applies) and requests a Voluntary School Fund Contribution of £80 per pupil per year (subject to annual review).
A. ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR ENTRY OF PUPILS TO YEAR 8 (FORM 1)
1 General
1.1 The Board of Governors delegates the selection of pupils for admission to the School Admissions Committee, consisting of at least three members of the Board of Governors, the Principal (or his appointed Deputy) and one other member of the School’s Senior Leadership Team.
1.2 The Board of Governors of the School will not use as a criterion the position of preference given to the School on the online Transfer Application, i.e. a child who has chosen Larne Grammar School in any position on the online Transfer Application will be considered equally with those who have put the School first.
1.3 It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to make sure that all relevant information is made available to the School either on or uploaded with the online Transfer Application. 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 with the online Transfer Application. Parents should therefore ensure that all information pertaining to their child and relevant to the school’s admissions criteria is stated on the online Transfer Application or uploaded with it. Parents should note that the information contained within an application that qualifies the child for admission will require to be verified. The provision of false or incorrect information or the failure to provide information within the deadlines as set by the School can result in the withdrawal of a place.
1.4 Where applicable, ‘sibling’ is defined as another ‘child of the family’ to include: 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.
2 If the School is over-subscribed, the following criteria for entry will apply, in the order stated:
2.1 The Board of Governors will consider children who are resident in Northern Ireland at the time of their proposed admission to the School before those who are not.
2.2 The Board of Governors will then consider children who have taken the Entrance Assessment administered by the Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group (“SEAG”). The Board of Governors will use the ‘Total Standardised Age Score (TSAS)’ as awarded by SEAG to a pupil in the Entrance Assessment, subject only to the consideration of parent/guardian(s) claiming ‘Special Circumstances’ and/or ‘Special Provisions’ as defined below. Places will be allocated in strict rank order of the scores, starting with the highest score and working in descending rank order, up to the Admissions Number (110). The Total Standardised Age Score (TSAS)in the SEAG Entrance Assessment should be entered, along with the SEAG Unique Pupil Number, in the appropriate section of the online Transfer Application. It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to make sure that the Statement of Outcomes provided by SEAG indicating their child’s SEAG Total Standardised Age Score is uploaded with the online Transfer Application.
2.3 If more than one child is eligible for the last remaining place(s) because they have equal scores, then the final place(s) will be allocated using the following criteria, in the order stated:
i) children who have a sibling (‘child of the family’) currently enrolled or accepted for admission in the School [state name(s) and Tutor Group(s)] (see 1.4);
ii) applicants will be ranked for acceptance on the basis of a computer-based process which will make use of the names of applicants as shown on their Transfer Applications. The process is carried out by means of a computer program which, for each applicant, generates a ranking number using the details from the online Transfer Application as the seed for a random number generator. The outcome, for any given applicant, is dependent only on the applicant’s name i.e. “Forename”, “Middlename(s)” (if applicable) and “Surname”, as recorded on the online 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 program, what the result will be for any given set of details. Applicants with the lowest ranking numbers will be given places up to the number of places available. Further details may be obtained from the Principal.
iii) in the event that the computer-based process (2.3 ii) fails to differentiate between pupils tied for the final place(s), applicants will be ranked for acceptance on the basis of age (established by date of birth as entered on a Birth Certificate), with older applicants given places up to the number of places available.
3. If there are still places available after consideration of all the children who have taken the SEAG Entrance Assessment and been awarded a standardised score by SEAG or awarded a score as a result of Special Circumstances and/or Special Provisions, the School Admissions Committee will consider for admission any children who have not taken the SEAG Entrance Assessment. These children will be allocated to the remaining places up to the School’s Admission Number using the criteria outlined above in 2.3 in the order set out.
1. Criteria for admission for applicants
1.1 There MUST be places available in the year group being applied for, conditional upon places being available within classes to support appropriate subject choices and Department of Education guidelines regarding class size, subject to an overall enrolment number of 735.
1.2 If the number of applications is greater than can be admitted within the School Enrolment Number, or within a particular Year group, the following criteria will be applied in the order stated:
i. pupils whose applications have been received before 4pm on the first Friday of June in the calendar year of proposed entry will be considered before other children;
ii. pupils whose most recent reports, or other educational evidence, from their present school (and previous schools, if applicable) satisfy the General Admissions Panel on past school record and achievement, including attendance, attitude, behaviour and punctuality, will be considered before other children. (A satisfactory attendance rate would be 90% or higher). In the case of pupils whose attendance may have been affected by clearly documented medical or other problems, the Admissions Panel is empowered, in extenuating circumstances, to consider this. Each case will be carefully assessed by the Admissions Panel and will necessarily take into account appropriate documentary evidence medical or otherwise. In such a case the decision of the Admissions Panel will be final. Please note that it is the responsibility of parents/guardian to provide the School with all such educational evidence as they would wish the Admissions Panel to consider. Decisions by the Admissions Panel will be based only on the information provided to the School by parents/guardians;pupils considered for admission following the application of Criteria 1.1, 1.2 (i) and 1.2 (ii) will be invited to attend the School to sit an online assessment. Pupils will then be ranked on the basis of the results gained by the applicant in an online assessment conducted by the School.
iii. pupils considered for admission following the application of Criteria 1.1, 1.2 (i) and 1.2 (ii) will be invited to attend the School to sit an online assessment. Pupils will then be ranked on the basis of the results gained by the applicant in an online assessment conducted by the School.
2. If more than one child is eligible for the last remaining place(s) because they have equal scores, then the final place(s) will be allocated using the following criteria, in the order stated:
(i) children who have a sibling currently enrolled in the School [state name(s) and Tutor Group(s).
(ii) applicants will be ranked for acceptance on the basis of a computer-based process which will make use of the names of applicants as shown on their School Application Form. The process is carried out by means of a computer program which, for each applicant, generates a ranking number using the details from the School Application Form as the seed for a random number generator. The outcome, for any given applicant, is dependent only on the applicant’s name (as recorded on the School Application Form) 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 program, what the result will be for any given set of details. Applicants with the lowest ranking numbers will be given places up to the number of places available. Further details may be obtained from the Principal.
Should a vacancy arise following the 1st September in the year of proposed admission, all applicants for admission to Years 9-12 that were initially refused, new applications, late applications and applications where new information has been provided will be treated equally and the published criteria applied. This waiting list will be in place until 30 June of the year following application. The School will contact parents/guardians in writing if their child gains a place in the School by this method. The names of all applicants will be automatically added to the list. Parents/guardians should contact the School if they wish for their child’s name to be removed from the list.
Larne Grammar School website for a more detailed Admissions Policy document – the https://www.larnegrammar.org.uk
SEAG Products for Larne Grammar School
