🏫 Royal School Dungannon – SEAG Practice Papers with Video Explanations
Voluntary Grammar School | Co-educational | Dungannon, County Tyrone | Ages 11–18
📚 History of Royal School Dungannon (RSD)
Royal School Dungannon (RSD) is one of the five original Royal Schools in Ulster, founded by King James I in 1614 to provide education to the sons of the Protestant gentry in the Plantation of Ulster. With a legacy stretching over 400 years, RSD is one of the oldest schools in Northern Ireland.
Though originally a boys’ school, RSD became fully co-educational in 1986 and has since built a reputation for academic excellence, sporting success, and traditional values blended with modern innovation. Its motto, “Perseverando” (By Persevering), reflects the school’s commitment to resilience, learning, and personal growth.
👨🎓 Pupil Numbers & School Structure
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Total Pupils: ~700
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Year 8 Intake: ~90–100 pupils
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Sixth Form: ~150 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 Affiliation: Non-denominational, with a strong Christian ethos
🎓 Academic Reputation
Royal School Dungannon is known for its high academic standards, close-knit community, and balanced focus on academic performance, extra-curricular development, and pastoral care. The school maintains a strong tradition of sending students to leading universities in Northern Ireland, the UK, and beyond.
✅ Academic Strengths:
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Strong departments in STEM, English, Modern Languages, and Humanities
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Support for Oxbridge, Medicine, Law, and Engineering pathways
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Personalised academic support and small class sizes
📊 Academic Performance:
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GCSEs:
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~98% of pupils achieve 5+ GCSEs at A–C*, including English and Maths
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~75–85% of grades 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 progression to Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, and UK universities
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🏫 The Royal School Dungannon – Contact Information
School Name: The Royal School Dungannon
Type: Co-educational Voluntary Grammar School (Ages 11–18)
Location: Dungannon, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland
📍 Address:
The Royal School Dungannon
2 Ranfurly Road
Dungannon
County Tyrone
BT71 6EG
Northern Ireland
United Kingdom
☎️ Telephone:
+44 (0)28 8772 7400
📧 Email:
🌐 Website:
https://www.royaldungannon.com
📱 Social Media:
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Facebook: Royal School Dungannon
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Twitter/X: @royaldungannon
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Instagram: @royalschooldungannon
You can view the school’s location on the map below:
SEAG Score Needed to get into Royal School Dungannon
Below is historical scores for Royal School Dungannon from 2022 to 2014.
2022 Lowest Grade – AQE – 86
2021 N/A
2020 Lowest Grade – AQE – 87
2019 Lowest Grade – AQE – 85
2018 Lowest Grade – AQE – 82
2017 Lowest Grade – AQE – 81
2016 Lowest Grade – AQE – 91
2015 Lowest Grade – AQE – 92
2014 Lowest Grade – AQE – 91
As you can see from the above stats 87 in AQE test in most recent years will have got you into Royal School Dungannon. The highest score needed was 92 in 2015.
A 92 score in AQE is equivalent to 182 in new SEAG test so based on past intake a minimum score of 182+ in SEAG test would give your child a very high chance of getting accepted into Royal School Dungannon.
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 Royal School Dungannon
Preparing for the SEAG Transfer Test effectively is crucial to securing a place at highly competitive grammar schools like Royal School Dungannon. 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.
Royal School Dungannon 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 Royal School Dungannon.
Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for Royal School Dungannon 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 Royal School Dungannon 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 (Subject to Annual Review)
If oversubscribed (~90–100 places), RSD 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 staff or past pupils
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Pupils attending contributory primary schools
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Children living nearest to the school (tie-breaker)
✅ Special Circumstances (e.g. illness, SEN, relocation) and Special Provisions may apply with supporting documentation.
📅 Admissions Timeline
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| SEAG Registration Opens | May |
| SEAG Registration Closes | September |
| SEAG Test Dates | November (Two Saturdays) |
| Results Issued | January |
| EA Application Opens | Late January |
| EA Application Deadline | February |
| Offers Announced | March |
SEAG Exam Information for ‘Royal School Dungannon’.
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. Royal School Dungannon is a SEAG School. Royal School Dungannon 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 Royal School Dungannon
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:
Entrance Test Results
The Royal School Dungannon intends to use the score awarded to pupils completing the Entrance Assessment provided by the Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group (SEAG) as specified by the School. Parents should record their child’s candidate number and Entrance Assessment score on the Transfer Application and attach the statement of results.
The Royal School Dungannon (‘the School’) is a voluntary grammar and boarding school for boys and girls offering a broad curriculum of academic courses and a strong commitment to extra-curricular activities. The Board of Governors of the School has delegated to its Admissions Committee, including the Principal, the responsibility of applying its admissions criteria to identify which children are to be admitted to the School in Year 8.
The Admissions Committee will initially consider applications for boarding. All boarding applications should be made direct to the School, which will be the main information point for parents regarding boarding applications and procedures. The Admissions Committee will then consider only those pupils who have taken the Entrance Assessment provided by the Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group (SEAG) and who have been awarded a score, including pupils whose score has been determined under the arrangements for Special Circumstances and Special Provisions.
The Admissions Committee will not use as a criterion the position of preference given to the school by the applicant on the Transfer Application. For example, a pupil who has chosen the Royal School Dungannon as a second, third or fourth preference school will be considered in the same manner as a pupil who has chosen the school as his or her first preference. The Royal School Dungannon has an Admissions number of 100 pupils. Up to a maximum of 8 of these places will be available each year for boarding pupils.
In selecting children for admission for places, children who are resident in Northern Ireland at the time of their proposed admission to the School will be selected for admission before any child not so resident. The Admissions Committee of the Board of Governors reserves the right to require additional information or evidence, for example educational information, to determine, support or verify information on the online Transfer Application or matters appended to it. The provision of false or incorrect information or the failure to provide verifying documents according to the required deadline may result in either the withdrawal of a place or the inability of the School to offer a place. On the issue of verification of information, the School will apply Departmental Guidance.
From September 1990 parents of all pupils admitted to the Royal School Dungannon (except in the case of pupils who are not resident in Northern Ireland and who are not UK nationals or have a legal right to remain in the UK) will not be required to pay tuition fees. Capital and Consolidation fees still apply. A Capital Fee (currently £70.00 per annum) and a Consolidated Charge, known as the School Fund (currently £80.00 per annum for the first child and £40.00 for a second child and with no charge for other siblings), are charged in regard to all pupils, with the exception of pupils who are entitled to Free School Meals and who are thus exempt from these fees.
APPLICATION OF THE ADMISSIONS CRITERIA
The Admissions Criteria will be applied in the order listed below until all places for entry into Year 8 have been allocated. Decisions taken about how Admissions Criterion 1 should be applied to each child will be taken solely on the basis of the information provided to the School. Decisions taken about how Admissions Criteria 2-4 should be applied to each child will be taken solely on the basis of the information provided on, or attached to, the Transfer Application. Parents are advised to record the Total Age Standardised Score (TSAS) awarded by SEAG and the SEAG Candidate Number when completing the Transfer Application and to attach the statement of result.
1. Up to a maximum of 8 boarding places will be allocated from the admissions total of 100. All pupils applying for a boarding place must be resident in Northern Ireland at the time of their admission to the School. All pupils applying for a boarding place must provide appropriate evidence to the Admissions Committee in order to establish his or her suitability to benefit from a grammar school education in a boarding environment. Pupils applying for a boarding place should indicate such on the online Transfer Application. The Admissions Committee shall review the educational evidence provided and, if satisfied that the applicant would benefit from a grammar school education in a boarding environment, an offer of admission will be made (subject to residency).
2. The remaining places from the Admissions total of 100 will be allocated to pupils on the basis of the rank order of their respective scores in the Entrance Assessment (or awarded as a result of Special Circumstances or Special Provision) with those achieving higher scores being allocated places before those with lower scores up to the Admissions number of 100. 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 Additional Considerations as set out in criterion 4 below and in the order stated.
3. If, following the application of Admissions Criteria 1 and 2, all the available places have not been filled then the School will consider for admission any pupils who have not taken the Entrance Assessment. In the event that the number of such pupils exceeds the number of remaining places, allocation of the remaining places will be made by
4. Additional Considerations The Additional Considerations will be applied in the order stated below.
(i) Pupils who have a child of the family, at the time of application, currently attending or who previously attended the school (details to be supplied); or pupils who are the eldest child in the family eligible to apply for admission to Year 8:
(ii) Pupils who are entitled to Free School Meals.
(iii) Pupils ranked by the initial letter of surname (and if necessary, subsequent letters), as entered on the birth certificate.
(iv) 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 criteria 4(i) to 4(iii) have been exhausted it becomes necessary to make a final selection, priority will be given to the child whose home is closer to the School. Distance will be measured in a straight line using an Ordnance Survey web distance measurement tool from the child’s home to the front entrance of the School’s main administrative building. Home will be taken to mean the child’s address appearing at the commencement of the Transfer Application.
Royal School Dungannon website for a more detailed Admissions Policy document – the https://www.royaldungannon.com
