🏫 Regent House School, Newtownards – SEAG Practice Papers with Video Explanations
Voluntary Grammar School | Co-educational | Newtownards, County Down | Ages 11–18
📚 History of Regent House School
Regent House School was established in 1924, originally as a boys’ grammar school, and later became a co-educational voluntary grammar school. It is located in Newtownards, County Down, and is one of the largest schools in Northern Ireland. The school was named after the Prince Regent, later King George IV, and maintains strong ties to traditional British values and academic excellence.
The school’s motto, “Virtus Repulsae Nescia” (Virtue knows no defeat), underpins its commitment to resilience, excellence, and character formation. Regent House has built a reputation for high academic standards, exceptional co-curricular opportunities, and leadership development.
👨🎓 Pupil Numbers & Structure
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Total Pupils: ~1,400
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Year 8 Intake: ~200–210 pupils
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Sixth Form: ~350+ 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 values)
🎓 Academic Reputation
Regent House School has a strong academic profile and is one of the largest grammar schools in the country. It offers a broad and challenging curriculum, and its pupils consistently achieve well in GCSEs and A-Levels. The school also has a longstanding reputation for excellence in music, sports, and drama.
✅ Academic Strengths:
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High-performing departments in Mathematics, Sciences, Languages, History, and Music
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Strong A-Level provision with support for university entrance, including Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Oxbridge
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Modern ICT and STEM facilities and a robust digital learning environment
📊 Academic Performance:
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GCSEs:
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~95–98% of students achieve 5+ GCSEs at grades A–C*, including English and Maths
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~70–80% of grades are at A–B*
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A-Levels:
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~80–85% of grades at A–B*
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High proportion of students progress to Russell Group universities, Queen’s University Belfast, and Ulster University
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🏫 Regent House School – Contact Information
School Name: Regent House School
Type: Co-educational Voluntary Grammar School (Ages 11–18)
Location: Newtownards, County Down, Northern Ireland
📍 Address:
Regent House School
Circular Road
Newtownards
County Down
BT23 4QA
Northern Ireland
United Kingdom
☎️ Telephone:
+44 (0)28 9181 3234
📧 Email:
🌐 Website:
https://www.regenthouse.org.uk
📱 Social Media:
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Facebook: Regent House School
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Twitter/X: @RegentHouseSch
- You can view the school’s location on the map below:
SEAG Score Needed to get into Regent House School Newtownards
Below is historical scores for Regent House School Newtownards from 2023 to 2014.
2023 Lowest Grade – AQE – 98
2022 Lowest Grade – AQE – 100
2021 N/A
2020 Lowest Grade – AQE – 100
2019 Lowest Grade – AQE – 100
2018 Lowest Grade – AQE – 99
2017 Lowest Grade – AQE – 97
2016 Lowest Grade – AQE – 99
2015 Lowest Grade – AQE – 94
2014 Lowest Grade – AQE – 98
As you can see from the above stats 100 in AQE test in recent years will have got you into Regent House School Newtownards. The highest score needed was 100 in 2022, 2020 & 2019.
A 100 score in old AQE test is equivalent to 194 in new SEAG test, so based on past intake a minimum score of 194+ in SEAG test would give your child a high chance of getting accepted into Regent House School Newtownards.
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 Regent House School
Preparing for the SEAG Transfer Test effectively is crucial to securing a place at highly competitive grammar schools like Regent House 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.
Regent House 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 Regent House School.
Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for Regent House School Newtownards 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 Regent House School Newtownards 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 (Subject to Annual Review)
If applications exceed available places (~200–210), the school applies the following criteria:
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Applicants ranked by SEAG Transfer Test result
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Siblings of current or former pupils
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Children of current staff or past pupils
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Pupils from named contributory primary schools
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Geographical proximity to school (used as tie-breaker)
✅ Special Circumstances and Provisions (e.g. illness, SEN, bereavement, relocation) will be considered with supporting documentation.
📅 Admissions Timeline
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| SEAG Registration Opens | May |
| SEAG Registration Closes | September |
| SEAG Tests | November (2 Saturdays) |
| SEAG Results Issued | January |
| EA Application Portal Opens | Late January |
| Application Deadline | February |
| School Offers Announced | March |
SEAG Exam Information for ‘Regent House School Newtownards’.
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. Regent House School Newtownardsis a SEAG School. Regent House School Newtownards 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 Regent House School Newtownards
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 will first consider for admission to Year 8, children who have been awarded a Total Standardised Age Score (TSAS) by the Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group (SEAG) as a result of the child’s performance in the Entrance Assessment, subject only to the consideration of those children claiming “Special Circumstances” and “Special Provisions”, as explained below. Parent/Guardians are advised to record the (TSAS) Score awarded by SEAG, together with the SEAG Unique Pupil Number, on the Transfer Application. Parent/Guardians must upload to the Transfer Application the Statement of Outcomes received from SEAG Indicating their child’s SEAG Total Standardised Age Score (TSAS).
In the event that there are more applications than there are places available the following criteria will be applied in the order set down:
1. Children who have taken the Entrance Assessment administered by the Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group (SEAG) and been awarded a Total Standardised Age Score (TSAS) by SEAG or assigned a Total Standardised Age Score (TSAS) equivalent by the Board of Governors in accordance with the arrangements for Special Circumstances or Special Provisions set out below, will be considered before other children. If the number of applications is greater than the number of places available, children will be placed in strict rank order of marks, highest to lowest. The Board of Governors will award places on the basis of these scores with the highestscore being awarded the first place(s) and then working in descending rank order until the number of places that would be awarded is equal or greater than the admissions number. The Total Standardised Age Score (TSAS) awarded by SEAG in the Entrance Assessment should be entered, along with the SEAG Unique Pupil Number, on the Transfer Application. If following the application of this criterion it is not possible to identify for admission an exact number of children equivalent to the admissions number as a result of pupils with the same score being tied for the final place(s), the sub-criteria in criterion 3(i) to (viii) below will be applied in the stated order to distinguish between such pupils.
2. If there are still places available after consideration of all the children who have taken the SEAG Entrance Assessment and been awarded a Total Standardised Age Score (TSAS) by SEAG, or assigned a score by the Board of Governors in accordance with the arrangements If as specified above, the number of applications exceeds the number of available places, children will be selected by applying the following criteria progressively in the order set down: for Special Circumstances or Special Provisions set out below, the School will consider for admission any children who have not taken the SEAG Entrance Assessment using the sub-criteria listed (i) –(viii) in criterion 3 below.
3. If as specified above, the number of applications exceeds the number of available places, children will be selected by applying the following criteria progressively in the order set down:
i) pupils enrolled in Regent House Preparatory Department.
ii) children who have, or have had, a child of the family (sibling) attending the secondary department of the school. Child of the family covers: 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 (details to be supplied);
iii) children who are the eldest child of the family at the date of application, eligible to transfer to a mainstream Post-Primary school. Eldest child covers “only” children as well as twins(or other multiples) who are treated asjoint eldest. The eldest child criterion will also apply in the case where a family has not had the opportunity to enrol an elder child, such as in cases where the elder child has completed their post-primary education (i.e. seven school years older), could not attend mainstream school (e.g. attends a special school) or where a family has relocated to Northern Ireland. Proof of eldest child should be uploaded with the Transfer Application – a letter on headed note paper, stating that the child is the eldest eligible child and that the family is known to the verifier, from one of the following who is not a family member of the applicant: a Primary School Principal, a medical practitioner, a solicitor, an elected public representative, a member of the clergy or a police officer.
iv) children who are transferring from Primary Schools located in the former Ards, North Down and Castlereagh Borough Council areas;
v) children who are entitled to receive Free School Meals.*
vi) the age of the child, preference being given to the eldest child.
vii) In the unlikely event in criterion (vi) above, of two or more children having the same birthday;
a) Children will be selected for admission on the basis of the initial letter of the surname as it appears on the birth certificate using alphabetical order.
b) Where surnames begin with the same letter, the second and, if necessary, subsequent letters will be used to establish relative priority for admission using alphabetical order.
c) Where children have the same surname, the initial letter of the first forename as it appears on the birth certificate will be used for admission.
d) Where the forenames begin with the same letter, the second and, if necessary, subsequent letters will be used to establish relative priority for admission using alphabetical order.
e) Where no priority can be established by means ofthis direct alphabetical comparison (eg ‘Alan’ ‘Alanna’) the child with the shorter first forename will be prioritised for admission.
f) Where children have the same forename the child without any subsequent forename will be prioritised for admission.
g) Where the application of (a) to (f) has not permitted priority to be established then (c) and (d) will be repeated with the substitution of ‘second forename’ for ‘first forename’.
(viii) The School wishes to continue its tradition of accepting children from a wide catchment area, irrespective of the proximity of their homes from the School. If however after all the criteria 3(i) to 3 (vii) have been exhausted it becomes necessary to make a final selection, priority will be given to a child whose home is closer to the school. Distance will be measured in a straight line using an Ordnance Survey map from the front door of the child’s home to the front door of the School. Home will be taken to mean the child’s address appearing at the commencement of the Transfer Application.
WAITING LIST POLICY Regent House School operates a Waiting Lists Policy. For Year 8, all applications for admission to Year 8 that were initially refused will be automatically placed on the Year 8 Waiting List. New applications, late applications and applications where new information has been provided will also be added to the Year 8 Waiting List.
Regent House School Newtownards website for a more detailed Admissions Policy document – the https://www.regenthouse.org.uk
