🏫 Rainey Endowed School – SEAG Practice Papers with Video Explanations
Voluntary Grammar School | Co-educational | Magherafelt, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland | Ages 11–18
📚 History of Rainey Endowed School
Rainey Endowed School, commonly known as The Rainey, was founded in 1713 by Hugh Rainey, a wealthy iron merchant from Magherafelt. His endowment established the school to educate “twelve poor boys” in Christian values and practical skills. Since then, it has grown into one of Northern Ireland’s leading grammar schools, with a strong academic tradition and vibrant student life.
The school is known for its Christian ethos, academic excellence, and contribution to the local community. It became co-educational in the 1970s and now serves pupils from across Mid-Ulster and beyond.
👨🎓 Pupil Numbers & Structure
-
Total Pupils: ~750
-
Year 8 Intake: ~93 students
-
Sixth Form: ~200 students
-
Age Range: 11–18
-
Gender: Co-educational
-
School Type: Voluntary grammar school
-
Governance: Maintained by the Education Authority Northern Ireland
🎓 Academic Reputation
Rainey Endowed is consistently ranked as one of the top-performing grammar schools in Northern Ireland. It delivers a broad and balanced curriculum, preparing students for GCSEs and A-levels, with a strong emphasis on academic rigour, personal development, and leadership.
✅ Academic Strengths:
-
Excellence in STEM, English, Modern Languages, Business, and Humanities
-
Strong progression to universities across the UK and Ireland, including Oxbridge, Queen’s University Belfast, and Trinity College Dublin
📊 Exam Results (Typical Year):
-
GCSEs:
-
~98–100% of students achieve 7+ GCSEs at grades A–C*
-
~75–80% of grades at A–A*
-
-
A-Levels:
-
~80% of grades at A–B*
-
Regular admissions to Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Finance
-
🏆 Awards & Recognition
-
Sunday Times Northern Ireland Secondary School of the Year 2016
🏫 Rainey Endowed School – Contact Information
School Name: Rainey Endowed School
Type: Voluntary Grammar School (Co-educational, Ages 11–18)
Location: Magherafelt, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland
📍 Address:
Rainey Endowed School
79 Rainey Street
Magherafelt
BT45 5DB
Northern Ireland
United Kingdom
☎️ Telephone:
+44 (0)28 7963 2293
📧 Email:
info@rainey.magherafelt.ni.sch.uk
🌐 Website:
📱 Social Media:
-
Facebook: Rainey Endowed School
-
Twitter/X: @RaineyEndowed
-
Instagram: @raineyendowed
You can view the school’s location on the map below:
SEAG Score Needed to get into Rainey Endowed School
Below are historical scores for Rainey Endowed School from 2023 to 2014.
2023 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 225
2022 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 226
2021 N/A
2020 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 225
2019 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 228
2018 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 227
2017 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 228
2016 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 226
2015 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 223
2014 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 225
As you can see from the above stats 226 in PPTC/GL in most years will have got you into Rainey Endowed School. The highest score needed was 228 in 2019.
A 231 score in old PPTC\GL test is equivalent to 200 in new SEAG test so based on past intake a minimum score of 200+ in SEAG test would give your child a very high chance of getting accepted into Rainey Endowed 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 |
SEAG Information for ‘Rainey Endowed 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. Our Rainey Endowed School is a SEAG School. Rainey Endowed 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. 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.
📘 How to Use ExamTutor SEAG Transfer Test Practice Papers (with Video Explanations) to Achieve High Scores for Rainey Endowed School
Preparing for the SEAG Transfer Test effectively is crucial to securing a place at highly competitive grammar schools like Rainey Endowed School. 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: Keping 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 Rainey Endowed Admission
-
Rainey Endowed 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 Rainey Endowed 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 Rainey Endowed 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.
✏️ Year 8 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply
✅ Entry via SEAG Transfer Test
Rainey Endowed is part of the SEAG (Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group) and admits pupils into Year 8 based on performance in the SEAG Transfer Test.
🧪 SEAG Transfer Test Format
-
The SEAG test replaces the previous AQE/GL systems
-
Taken in November of Primary 7
-
Two test papers:
-
SEAG Test Paper 1
-
SEAG Test Paper 2
-
-
Each paper is 1 hour
-
Questions are multiple choice and written responses
-
Results are standardised and age-adjusted
Rainey Endowed uses SEAG scores to rank applicants and apply admissions criteria.
📋 Admissions Criteria
If the school is oversubscribed, places are allocated using the following criteria (in order):
-
Looked-after or previously looked-after children
-
Children with the highest SEAG scores
-
Siblings of current or past pupils
-
Children from feeder primary schools
-
Proximity to the school (measured by home address)
-
Other applicants, ranked by SEAG score
Special Circumstances and Special Provisions may be considered (e.g. illness, SEN, recent relocation).
📅 Admissions Timeline
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| SEAG Registration Opens | May |
| SEAG Registration Closes | Mid-September |
| SEAG Test Dates | November (two Saturdays) |
| Results Issued to Parents | January |
| Post-Primary Application Opens | Late January |
| Application Deadline | February |
| Offers Issued | March |
📌 Register for the SEAG test at: www.seagni.co.uk
Admissions Criteria General Information for Rainey Endowed 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:
Rainey Endowed School – Admissions Criteria Key Points
Rainey Endowed School (“the School”) is a Non-Denominational, Co-educational Voluntary Grammar School seeking to preserve the established character and academic ethos of the School. The Board of Governors draws up the Admissions Criteria and delegates to an Admissions Sub-Committee, which includes the Principal and Vice-Principal, the responsibility for applying these Criteria.
1. After the SEAG Assessments are completed, pupils will be placed in a single list based on their performance in terms of a combined standardised age score in the SEAG Assessments. Those with the highest combined standardised age score will be at the top of the list, which will therefore be in rank order of merit. On the basis of the combined standardised age score, pupils will be admitted in rank order of combined standardised age score, up to the School’s Admissions Number. Applications for admission to the School will be made through the EA Connect Portal.
2. Where two or more children have an identical combined standardised age score and insufficient places remain to admit both or all of them, then the following Admissions Criteria will be applied in the order set down:
3. Children who have placed Rainey Endowed School as their First Preference.
4. Children who have a sibling or other children of the family* currently enrolled at the School.
5. Children who had a child of the family* previously enrolled at the School for 2 or more years.
6. Children who are the eldest child or only child of the family.
7. Children who are enrolled in one of the contributing Primary Schools listed – Feeder Primary Schools
8. The following is a list of contributing Primary Schools to be used in the Admissions Criterion 3.5 above: Ampertaine PS, Drumahoe PS, Mount St Michael’s PS, St Malachy’s Drumullan PS, Anahorish PS, Duneane PS, New Row St Mary’s Bellaghy PS, Antrim Primary School PS, Gaelscoil an Tseanchai, Orritor PS, St Mary’s Draperstown PS, Ballylifford PS, Gaelscoil Eoghain, Phoenix Integrated St Mary’s Glenview PS, Ballynease PS, Garvagh PS, Portglenone PS, St Mary’s Greenlough PS, Ballytrea PS, Gorran PS, Randalstown Central PS, St Mary’s Portglenone PS, Bellaghy PS, Groggan PS, Rathenraw Integrated PS, St Oliver Plunkett’s Toome PS, Bunscoil Naomh Brid, Holy Family PS, Roundtower Integrated PS, St Patrick’s Glen PS, Carhill Integrated PS, Holy Trinity Sacred Heart PS, Rock St Patrick’s Loup PS, Carlane PS, Kilrea PS, St Brigid’s Mayogall PS, St Patrick’s Moneymore PS, Castledawson PS, Knockloughrim PS, St Canice’s Feeny PS, St Patrick’s Mullinahoe PS, Churchtown Knocknagin St Columb’s Desertmartin PS, St Paul’s Ahoghill PS, Coagh PS, Lissan PS, St Columba’s Kilrea PS, St Peter’s Moortown PS, Cookstown PS, Maghera PS, St Columba’s Straw PS, St Trea’s PS, Creggan PS, Magherafelt PS, St Eoghan’s PS, Spires Integrated PS, Crossroads PS, Maine Integrated PS, St John Bosco PS, Stewartstown PS, Derrychrin PS, Millquarter PS, St John’s Swatragh PS, Tobermore PS, Diamond PS, Moneymore PS, St Joseph’s Antrim PS, Windmill Integrated PS, Donaghey PS, Moneynick PS, St Joseph’s Killeenan PS, Woods PS.
Visit Rainey Endowed School website for a more detailed Admissions Policy document – https://raineyendowed.com
