Lecale Trinity Grammar School Downpatrick Information

🏫 Lecale Trinity Grammar School Downpatrick – SEAG Practice Papers with Video Explanations

SEAG Practice Test Pack 1

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• 4 High Quality Practice Tests.
• 4 x English & Maths Papers
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• 12 Hours of Video Content.
• 224 Video Explanations.

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SEAG Practice Test Pack 2

£35.00

• 4 High Quality Practice Tests.
• 4 x English & Maths Papers
• Video Solutions for all Questions!
• 9 Hours of Video Content.
• 224 Video Explanations.

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SEAG Practice Test Pack 3

£35.00

• 4 High Quality Practice Tests.
• 4 x English & Maths Papers
• Video Solutions for all Questions!
• 9.5 Hours of Video Content.
• 224 Video Explanations.

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SEAG Practice Tests – Multi-Pack Bundle

£85.00

• 12 High Quality Practice Tests.
• 12 x English & Maths Papers
• Video Solutions for all Questions!
• 30.5 Hours of Video Content.
• 672 Video Explanations.

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Catholic Co-Educational Grammar School | Lasallian Ethos | Downpatrick | Ages 11–18

📚 History of Lecale Trinity Grammar School

Lecale Trinity Grammar School was officially established in September 2024 following the amalgamation of:

• St Patrick’s Grammar School (The Red High)

• De La Salle High School

• St Mary’s High School

This merger created a single, co-educational Lasallian Catholic grammar school serving the wider Lecale region and beyond. The school continues the proud educational traditions of all three former institutions, offering high standards of academic excellence, faith-based learning, and pastoral care.

Located on the existing Red High campus in Downpatrick, the school now serves both boys and girls from Year 8 to Year 14 and follows the educational philosophy of St John Baptist de La Salle — emphasising inclusion, respect, service, and community.

👨‍🎓 Pupil Numbers (Estimates)

• Total Pupils: ~1,100 (post-amalgamation)

• Year 8 Intake: ~180 pupils

• Sixth Form: ~250–300

• Gender: Co-educational

• Age Range: 11–18

• School Type: Catholic Voluntary Grammar School

• Religious Ethos: Roman Catholic (Lasallian)

🎓 Academic Reputation (Projected)

While Lecale Trinity Grammar School is new, it inherits the strong academic reputation of:

• St Patrick’s Grammar School – previously one of the top Catholic boys’ grammar schools in Northern Ireland

• St Mary’s and De La Salle High Schools – known for strong pastoral care and community values

The new school is expected to maintain high academic standards, excellent GCSE and A-Level results, and a strong reputation for music, sport, and faith development.

🏆 Awards & Recognition (Inherited and Expected)

• Red High alumni achievements in:

  • Young Enterprise NI

  • BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition

  • Gael-Linn Irish language competitions

  • Ulster Schools’ Cup (sport)

• Participation in Eco-Schools, public speaking, and academic competitions

• Lasallian values integrated into all aspects of student life and leadership

You can view the school’s location on the map below:

SEAG Score Needed to get into Lecale Trinity Grammar School Downpatrick

Lecale Trinity Grammar School is a new co-educational, 11-19, Catholic voluntary grammar school. The school is an amalgamation of three schools – St Patrick’s Grammar School, De La Salle High School, and St Mary’s High School. As it is a new school there is no history of scores. Please check the individual schools above for a guide on past scores needed to get into that school and we will add scores to this page next year when SEAG scores are realeased.

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 Lecale Trinity Grammar School Downpatrick

Preparing for the SEAG Transfer Test effectively is crucial to securing a place at highly competitive grammar schools like Lecale Trinity Grammar School Downpatrick. Using ExamTutor’s SEAG Transfer Test Practice Papers with video explanations is one of the smartest ways to build exam confidence, improve accuracy, and boost scores.

Below is a step-by-step strategy to help you make the most of your resources and target success.

🎯 Why ExamTutor Practice Papers Work

ExamTutor provides:

• Authentic SEAG-style questions in Maths and English

• Step-by-step video solutions that explain how and why each answer works

✅ Step-by-Step Strategy for Using ExamTutor SEAG Practice Papers

Step 1: Set a Study Schedule

• Begin preparation at least 6–9 months before the SEAG test (ideally by January or February of Primary 6)

• Aim for 2–3 practice sessions per week, gradually increasing frequency closer to the test (in November)

Step 2: Start with One Full Practice Paper

• Attempt a paper without a time limit

• Use the ExamTutor printable PDF

• Do not use help or calculators

📌 Tip: Start with a “practice” paper to assess your current level in:

• English (comprehension, grammar, punctuation)

• Maths (mental arithmetic, problem-solving, word problems)

Step 3: Review Your Answers Using Video Explanations

• After each paper, watch the video solutions provided by ExamTutor for every question you got wrong — and those you got right by guessing

• Pay attention to:

  • Why an answer is correct

  • How to avoid common traps

  • Time-saving strategies

• Take notes in a dedicated SEAG notebook

• 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 pupils fully understand concepts rather than just memorising answers.

Step 4: Focus on Weak Areas

• Track the types of questions you consistently get wrong:

  • In English: Inference, vocabulary, punctuation, grammar

  • In Maths: Fractions, word problems, percentages, multi-step logic

• Use targeted ExamTutor video lessons or supplementary topic-specific questions

📌 Tip: Keeping a detailed track of questions you got incorrect can be reviewed at a later date to reinforce the topic.

Step 5: 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.

Step 6: Use Spaced Repetition

• Rotate papers every few weeks — don’t repeat the same one too soon

• Revisit older papers to ensure retention

• Use the “mark and reflect” method:

  • Mark answers

  • Watch relevant videos

  • Reflect on what you’ve learned and write a short summary

Step 7: Mock Exam Month (October)

• In the month before the SEAG test:

  • Do 2 full practice papers per week

  • Use ExamTutor’s practice test papers under realistic timed conditions

  • Review your mistakes using the videos within 24 hours

✅ How This Helps with Lecale Trinity Grammar School Downpatrick Admission

• Thornhill College ranks applicants by SEAG score, giving priority to high scorers

• By using ExamTutor:

  • You build familiarity with SEAG-style questions

  • You strengthen core exam techniques

  • You develop accuracy under time pressure

  • You avoid repeat mistakes

📦 Suggested ExamTutor SEAG Resources

• 📘 SEAG Practice Papers Pack 1,2 & 3 with Video Explanations

👉 Available at: www.examtutor.co.uk through subscription packages

💡 Bonus Tips for Parents

• Avoid low quality repetitive practice tests, will only create a negative attitude

• Build a calm and positive home environment for study

• Focus on progress, not perfection

• Celebrate small wins to keep motivation high

• Use breaks and rewards to avoid burnout

📍 Final Thoughts

Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for Lecale Trinity Grammar School Downpatrick 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 Lecale Trinity Grammar School Downpatrick 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.

📋 Admissions Criteria (Indicative)

If applications exceed available places, the school applies the following (based on former Red High policies and Catholic sector norms):

1. SEAG test score – ranked order

2. Baptised Catholic pupils

3. Siblings of current/former pupils of the three legacy schools

4. Children of staff or past pupils

5. Pupils attending Catholic partner primary schools in the Lecale area

6. Geographical proximity to school (tie-breaker)

✅ Special Circumstances/Provisions (e.g. SEN, illness, bereavement, relocation) will be considered with supporting evidence.

📅 Admissions Timeline 

📍 Contact Information

While the official school website and branding are expected to launch soon, the school is currently operating from the former Red High site:

• 🏫 Address: Saul Street, Downpatrick, BT30 6NJ, Northern Ireland

• 📧 Email: TBC (Expected to update from St Patrick’s Grammar domain)

• ☎️ Phone: Likely to retain previous number – 028 4461 2080

SEAG Exam Information for ‘Lecale Trinity Grammar School Downpatrick’.

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. Lecale Trinity Grammar School Downpatrick is a SEAG School. Lecale Trinity Grammar School Downpatrick 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 Lecale Trinity Grammar School Downpatrick

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:
Lecale Trinity Grammar School will operate a Two Stage application process for Year 8 admission. In line with the Development Proposal for the school, Lecale Trinity Grammar School will operate a Two Stage application process dependent on primary school attended for admission into Year 8. The criteria for Stage 1 (Routes A and B) will be applied simultaneously. Parents/Guardians of applicants should refer to the schools included within Category A and Category B Primary Schools as detailed in the criteria that follows.
Stage 1: Criteria for Routes A and B will be applied first.
Route A – The non-selective route will apply to up to 180 places from Category A Primary Schools.
Route B –The selective route will apply to up to 70 places from Category B Primary Schools.
Stage 2: In the event that there are unfilled places within Route A or Route B at the conclusion of Stage 1 all remaining applications will be considered at Stage 2
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA – YEAR 8
STAGE 1 Route A: The non-selective route will apply to up to 180 places from Category A Primary Schools. Criteria for Route A will be applied in the order set down.
I. Applicants who are transferring from Category A Primary Schools as listed below. A pupil from one named primary school will not be given preference over a child from another named primary school.
St Brigid’s Primary School, Downpatrick St Patrick’s Primary School, Legamaddy St Joseph’s Primary School, Killough St Joseph’s Primary School, Tyrella St Colmcille’s Primary School Downpatrick St Patrick’s Primary School, Saul St Malachy’s Primary School, Kilclief St Mary’s Primary School, Dunsford (Ardglass) Our Lady & St Patrick’s Primary School, Downpatrick Downpatrick Primary School St Joseph’s Primary School, Strangford St Nicholas’ Primary School, Ardglass Primary School.
The Board of Governors has determined that in the event of there being oversubscription in the first criterion then the following sub-criteria will be applied in the order set down below. In the event that there are fewer applicants complying with a particular criterion than there are places available or remaining, those applicants complying with that criterion will be admitted and the next criterion will be applied to the remaining applicants. In the event that there are more applicants complying with a particular criterion than there are places available or remaining, those applicants complying with that criterion will go forward to be considered under the next criterion and those not complying with that criterion will be eliminated.
Sub-Criteria
i. Applicants from Category A Primary Schools who, at the date of application, have a child of the family* currently enrolled at the school**. (Name of school, student name, and Registration/Form Group of sibling to be stated on the Transfer Application). [*Child of the Family will be defined in accordance with Department of Education guidance].
ii. Applicants from Category A Primary Schools who, at the date of application, have a child of the family* previously enrolled within the last five years at the school**. (Name of school, student name, dates of enrolment and Registration/Form Group of sibling to be stated on the Transfer Application). [*Child of the Family will be defined in accordance with Department of Education guidance].
iii. Applicants from Category A Primary Schools who, at the date of application are the eldest*** child of the family to be eligible to transfer to a mainstream post-primary School. This is subject to satisfying verification requirements as set out below. The verifying form LTV1 (Available from School Websites) must be attached to the Transfer Application and state that the child is the eldest and that the child and family are known to the verifier. It must be signed and where possible stamped or address provided by one of the following who is not a member of the applicant’s family:
• Medical practitioner
• Solicitor
• Police Officer
• Elected representative
• Clergyman or equivalent
• Primary school principal
Should there be oversubscription at the last criterion that can be applied, applicants will be selected for admission on the basis of initial letter(s) of surname (as entered on birth certificate)
The order was determined by a random selection of initial letter/component of surname (Mac/Mc). In the event of surnames beginning with the same initial letter/component the subsequent letters of the surname will be used in alphabetical order (a,b,c…). In the event of two identical surnames the alphabetical order of the initial letter of the forename as it appears on the birth certificate, will be used. In the event of forenames beginning with the same initial letter the subsequent letters of the forename will be used in alphabetical order. Only the first forename will apply. If any applicants still tie for a final place, the place(s) will be allocated by random computerised selection.
Route B: The selective route will apply to up to 70 places for pupils from Category B Schools.
In assessing academic ability, Lecale Trinity Grammar School will use the results achieved by pupils from the Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group (SEAG) Entrance Assessments, or any adjusted score following application for Special Circumstances, or a score determined as a result of Special Provision. Parents/guardians must attach a copy of the statement of results which they receive to the Transfer Application.
Criteria for Route B will be applied in the order set down.
1. Applicants who have completed the Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group (SEAG) Entrance Assessments, and who are transferring from Category B Primary Schools as listed below. A pupil from one named primary school will not be given preference over a child from another named primary school.
Bunscoil Bheanna Boirce St Patrick’s Primary School, Ballynahinch Portaferry Integrated Primary School St Patrick’s Primary School, Burrenreagh, Castlewellan Christ The King Primary School, Drumaness Sacred Heart Primary School, Dundrum Killyleagh Integrated Primary School St Patrick’s Primary School, Ballygalget Holy Family Primary School, Teconnaught St Caolan’s Primary School, Darragh Cross St Macartan’s Primary School, Loughinisland St Mary’s Primary School, Dechomet, Ballyward, Castlewellan St Joseph’s Primary School Crossgar St Francis’ Primary School, Drumaroad, Castlewellan St Mary’s Primary School, Portaferry St Mary’s Primary School, Aughlisnafin, Castlewellan St Joseph’s Primary School, Carryduff Cedar Integrated Primary School, Crossgar St Mary’s Primary School, Kircubbin St Aloysius Primary School, Lisburn St Malachy’s Primary School, Castlewellan Dromara Primary School St Matthew’s Primary School, Magheramayo St Colman’s Primary School, Lambeg, Lisburn St Mary’s Primary School, Killyleagh Drumlins Integrated Primary School, Ballynahinch St Ita’s Primary School, Belfast St Michael’s Primary School, Belfast St Mary’s Primary School, Newcastle Millennium Integrated Primary School, Carryduff St Joseph’s Primary School, Carnacaville, Newcastle St Michael’s Primary School, Finnis Primary School, Dromara Primary School.
The Board of Governors has determined that in the event of there being oversubscription in the first criterion then the following sub-criteria will be applied in the order set down.
Sub-Criteria
i. Applicants from Category B Schools placed in Band 1 in the SEAG Entrance Assessments and those applicants regarding whom parental claims for consideration of Special Circumstances and/or Special Provision have been accepted and who, in the opinion of the authorised SubCommittee, based on the documented evidence submitted as required, are of comparable ability to those applicants placed in Band 1.
ii. Applicants from Category B Schools placed in Band 2 in the SEAG Entrance Assessments and those applicants regarding whom parental claims for consideration of Special Circumstances and/or Special Provision have been accepted and who, in the opinion of the authorised SubCommittee, based on the documented evidence submitted as required, are of comparable ability to those applicants placed in Band 2.
iii. Applicants from Category B Schools placed in Band 3 in the SEAG Entrance Assessments and those applicants regarding whom parental claims for consideration of Special Circumstances and/or Special Provision have been accepted and who, in the opinion of the authorised SubCommittee, based on the documented evidence submitted as required, are of comparable ability to those applicants placed in Band 3.
iv. Applicants from Category B Schools placed in Band 4 in the SEAG Entrance Assessments and those applicants regarding whom parental claims for consideration of Special Circumstances and/or Special Provision have been accepted and who, in the opinion of the authorised SubCommittee, based on the documented evidence submitted as required, are of comparable ability to those applicants placed in Band 4.
v. Applicants from Category B Schools placed in Band 5 in the SEAG Entrance Assessments and those applicants regarding whom parental claims for consideration of Special Circumstances and/or Special Provision have been accepted and who, in the opinion of the authorised SubCommittee, based on the documented evidence submitted as required, are of comparable ability to those applicants placed in Band 5.
vi. Applicants from Category B Schools placed in Band 6 in the SEAG Entrance Assessments and those applicants regarding whom parental claims for consideration of Special Circumstances and/or Special Provision have been accepted and who, in the opinion of the authorised SubCommittee, based on the documented evidence submitted as required, are of comparable ability to those applicants placed in Band 6. If there are more applicants who satisfy any one of the criteria i to vi when they are applied in the order of priority set down above than places remaining, then applicants will be selected according to the following sub-criteria applied in the order set down below. In the event that there are fewer applicants complying with a particular criterion than there are places available or remaining, those applicants complying with that criterion will be admitted and the next criterion will be applied to the remaining applicants. In the event that there are more applicants complying with a particular criterion than there are places available or remaining, those applicants complying with that criterion will go forward to be considered under the next criterion and those not complying with that criterion will be eliminated.
2.i. Applicants from Category B Primary Schools who, at the date of application, have a child of the family* currently enrolled at the school** OR a child of the family* previously enrolled within the last five years at the school** (Name of school, student name, dates of enrolment and Registration/Form Group of sibling to be stated on the Transfer Application). [*Child of the Family will be defined in accordance with Department of Education guidance].
2.ii. Applicants from Category B Primary Schools who, at the date of application are the eldest*** child of the family to be eligible to transfer to a mainstream post-primary School. This is subject to satisfying verification requirements as set out below. The verifying form LTV1 (Available from School Websites) must be attached to the Transfer Application and state that the child is the eldest and that the child and family are known to the verifier. It must be signed and where possible stamped or address provided by one of the following who is not a member of the applicant’s family: • Medical Practitioner • Solicitor • Police Officer • Elected representative. • Clergyman or equivalent. • Primary School Principal
Should there be oversubscription at the last criterion that can be applied, applicants will be selected for admission on the basis of initial letter(s) of surname (as entered on birth certificate). The order was determined by a random selection of initial letter/component of surname (Mac/Mc). In the event of surnames beginning with the same initial letter/component the subsequent letters of the surname will be used in alphabetical order (a,b,c…). In the event of two identical surnames the alphabetical order of the initial letter of the forename as it appears on the birth certificate, will be used. In the event of forenames beginning with the same initial letter the subsequent letters of the forename will be used in alphabetical order. Only the first forename will apply. If any applicants still tie for a final place, the place(s) will be allocated by random computerised selection.
STAGE 2
In the event that there are unfilled places within Route A or Route B at the conclusion of Stage 1 all remaining applications will be considered at Stage 2. Pupils will be admitted in the following order until 250 places have been filled.
1. Applicants from Category A Primary Schools
2. Applicants from Category B Primary Schools, who have completed the Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group (SEAG) Entrance Assessments
3. Applicants from Category B Primary Schools who have not completed the Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group (SEAG) Entrance Assessments
4. All other applicants.
If there are more applicants who satisfy any one of the criteria 1 to 4 when they are applied in the order of priority set down above than places remaining, then applicants will be selected according to the following sub-criteria applied in the order set down below.
Sub-Criteria
I. Applicants who, at the date of application, have a child of the family* currently enrolled at the school** OR a child of the family* previously enrolled within the last five years at the school**. (Name of school, student name, dates of enrolment and Registration/Form Group of sibling to be stated on the Transfer Application). [*Child of the Family will be defined in accordance with Department of Education guidance]. Should there be oversubscription at the last criterion that can be applied, applicants will be selected for admission on the basis of initial letter(s) of surname (as entered on birth certificate).
Lecale Trinity Grammar School Downpatrick website for a more detailed Admissions Policy document – the https://www.lasalleigbm.org