Sacred Heart Grammar School Information

🏫 Sacred Heart Grammar School, Newry – SEAG Practice Papers with Video Explanations

SEAG Practice Test Pack 1

£35.00

• 4 High Quality Practice Tests.
• 4 x English & Maths Papers
• Video Solutions for all Questions!
• 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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Voluntary Catholic Grammar School | All-Girls | Newry, County Down | Ages 11–18

📚 History of Sacred Heart Grammar School, Newry

Sacred Heart Grammar School was founded in 1930 by the Sisters of St. Clare, a religious order committed to providing faith-based education for young women. Situated in Newry, the school has grown from modest beginnings to become one of Northern Ireland’s most respected girls’ grammar schools, renowned for both academic and personal development.

The school is rooted in the values of the Catholic faith, inspired by the teachings of St. Clare of Assisi, and places a strong emphasis on spirituality, social responsibility, and the holistic development of its students.

👨‍🎓 Pupil Numbers & School Structure

• Total Pupils: ~890

• Year 8 Intake: ~140 students

• Sixth Form: ~250 students

• Gender: Girls only

• Age Range: 11–18

• School Type: Catholic Voluntary Grammar School

• Religious Ethos: Roman Catholic (Diocese of Dromore)

🎓 Academic Reputation

Sacred Heart Grammar School is one of Northern Ireland’s top-performing post-primary schools, consistently achieving exceptional GCSE and A-Level results. The school prides itself on combining academic excellence with strong pastoral care and moral development.

✅ Academic Strengths:

• High standards in STEM, Languages, English Literature, Humanities, and Religious Education

• Strong preparation for competitive university courses, including Medicine, Law, Teaching, and Pharmacy

• Specialist support for Oxbridge and Russell Group applications

📊 Academic Results:

• GCSEs:

  • ~100% of pupils achieve 7 or more GCSEs at A–C*, including English and Maths

  • ~90%+ of grades are A–A*

• A-Levels:

  • ~85–90% of grades at A–B*

  • A high number of students proceed to Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, and other top UK/ROI universities

🏆 Awards & Recognition

• Consistently ranked among the Top 10 Grammar Schools in Northern Ireland

🏫 Sacred Heart Grammar School – Contact Information

School Name: Sacred Heart Grammar School
Type: Catholic Voluntary Grammar School for Girls (Ages 11–18)
Location: Newry, County Down, Northern Ireland

📍 Address:

Sacred Heart Grammar School
10 Ashgrove Avenue
Newry
County Down
BT34 1PR
Northern Ireland
United Kingdom

☎️ Telephone:

+44 (0)28 3026 4632

📧 Email:

info@sacredheart.newry.ni.sch.uk

🌐 Website:

https://www.shgschool.org/

📱 Social Media:

• Facebook: Sacred Heart Grammar School

• Twitter/X: @SacredHeartGS

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

SEAG Score Needed to get into Sacred Heart Grammar School

Below is historical scores for Sacred Heart Grammar School from 2023 to 2014.

2023 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL 213
2022 Academic selection was not used.
2021 N/A
2020 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 229
2019 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 219
2018 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 219
2017 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 234
2016 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 234
2015 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 229
2014 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 229
As you can see from the above stats and 229 in PPTC/GL in most years will have got you into Sacred Heart Grammar School. The highest score needed was 234 in 2023.
A 234 score in old PPTC/GL test is equivalent to 206 in new SEAG test so based on past intake a minimum score of 206+ in SEAG test would give your child a very high chance of getting accepted into Sacred Heart Grammar School.

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 Sacred Heart Grammar School

Preparing for the SEAG Transfer Test effectively is crucial to securing a place at highly competitive grammar schools like Sacred Heart Grammar 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 Sacred Heart Grammar School Admission

• Sacred Heart Grammar Schoolranks 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 Sacred Heart Grammar School Preparation?

✔ SEAG style practice papers covering all tested subjects.
✔ Video explanations for step-by-step learning.
✔ Used successfully by thousands of pupils every year.

Achieving a high SEAG score for Sacred Heart Grammar School is very possible with the right strategy and tools. With ExamTutor’s exam-style papers and video explanations, you get both practice and expert guidance — exactly what’s needed to turn mistakes into mastery.

📋 Admissions Criteria (Subject to Annual Review)

If applications exceed available places (~140), the school applies the following criteria:

1. Girls with a valid SEAG Transfer Test result, ranked by score

2. Baptised Catholic pupils

3. Siblings of current or former pupils

4. Pupils from Catholic primary feeder schools

5. Daughters of staff or past pupils

6. Geographical proximity to the school

✅ Special Circumstances (e.g. illness, bereavement, SEN) may be taken into consideration with supporting documentation.

📅 Admissions Timeline 

SEAG Exam Information for Sacred Heart Grammar School

The SEAG Group’ consists of 63 Grammar Schools in Northern Ireland that use academic selection for all or part of their Year 8 intake. The SEAG 2024 Entrance Assessment is for pupils who will be transferring to post primary schools and whose parents may be considering a place at a SEAG school for their child. Our Lady’s Grammar School is a SEAG School. Sacred Heart Grammar School will use the results from the SEAG Test to determine who gets offered a place at the school.

SEAG Registration and Exam Details
Parents can register their child at the SEAG website at the following address. SEAG (seagni.co.uk).The SEAG Entrance Assessment consists of two papers. Both papers assess English and Mathematics and both have an identical format consisting of three Sections:

1st Section – The Practice Test Section
This section contains 5 English followed by 5 Maths questions. These questions are designed to help pupils settle before the Main Test begins. The Practice Test is not assessed or timed.
2nd Section – English Main Test.
The English section of the paper consists of 28 questions (Q1-Q28) and is broken down into 4 sections:
1) “Punctuation Exercise” containing 5 multiple choice questions.
2) “Grammar Exercise” 5 multiple choice questions.
3) “Spelling Exercise” with 5 multiple choice questions.
4) Comprehension”. Contains a passage and are then asked 13 questions on the passage; 7 of these are multiple choice (Q16-Q22). The final 6 questions (Q23-Q28) are described as “free response”; the pupil writes the answer to each in the space provided in the Answer Sheet.
3rd Section – Maths Main Test.
The Maths section also has 28 questions (Q29-Q56) and is broken down into 2 sections:
1) The first 22 Maths questions (Q29-Q50) are multiple choice questions.
2) The final 6 Maths questions (Q51-Q56) are described as “free response”. For each of these questions the pupil works out the correct answer and writes the answer in the space provided in the Answer Sheet.
Pupils will have 60 minutes to answer the 56 Main Test questions.
They can choose to start with the English questions or with the Maths questions.
Each of the multiple choice questions has 5 possible answers.

Admissions Criteria for Sacred Heart Grammar School

Most Northern Ireland Grammar Schools are now using the SEAG Entrance Assessment instead of Transfer Test AQE or PPTC/GL Assessment. As part of their admissions criteria each school uses slightly different criteria versions for admissions. The vast majority of schools will have SEAG Band one as 1st criteria which means you need to score 206+ in the SEAG Entrance Assessment Test. If you don’t get band one then you will not be guaranteed a grammar school place in any school in Northern Ireland.
After criteria one, criteria two can vary depending on Grammar School. The majority of Grammar Schools 2nd criteria will be if a family member currently or in some cases has attended the school, other schools will go straight to SEAG TSAS scores. The main key point to note is that you need to aim for band one which is 206 in SEAG Entrance Assessment for the vast majority of Grammar Schools in Northern Ireland. Another key point is school preference, most schools don’t stipulate they have to be number one preference on the SEAG Application form to be considered for a place at their school. So, if you put down a Grammar School as 1st preference and don’t get the grade to get in, as long as your 2nd choice school doesn’t stipulate their school has to be 1st preference then it’s the same as putting the 2nd school down 1st on the SEAG application form.
Our advice is to read the Grammar School criteria carefully and know what your child needs to achieve to gain entry as a lot of parents get confused over the criteria. We keep an up-to-date database of past Transfer Test and SEAG scores you need to gain entry to all Grammar Schools in Northern Ireland.
Our SEAG products at bottom of the page are proven resources to give you child the best chance of getting a high score in SEAG, our Practice Test Papers with video explanations are a great starting point for the SEAG Exam. Our online and live tutor bootcamps are a great alternative to an expensive tutor and our mock exams are a great way to find out what level your child is currently at compared to other children who have taken our mock exams in the same area. Our mock exams will be pitched at examination level difficulty so you have an exact understanding of the level your child needs to aim for. Below is the criteria for this Grammar School. If you have any questions please contact us:
Sacred Heart Grammar School, Newry is a Catholic grammar school for girls. This school normally accepts girls who are academically suited for the type of education it offers and whose parents/guardians agree with the philosophy and aims of the school. When considering which children can be selected for admission, the Board of Governors will only consider information which is detailed on or attached to the Transfer Form. Parents should therefore ensure that all information pertaining to their child and relevant to the school’s admission criteria is stated on the Transfer Form or attached to it. (Please note: the Sacred Heart Grammar School has been directed by regulations to select for admission all children resident in Northern Ireland at the time of their proposed admission before any child not so resident may be selected for admission.)
1) Girls placed in Band 1 in the SEAG Entrance Assessments and those girls 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 girls placed in Band 1.
2) If there are more girls who satisfy any one of the criteria 1 to 7 when they are applied in the order of priority set down above than places remaining, then girls will be selected according to the following sub criteria applied in the order: Girls who, at the date of their application, have another girl of the family (as defined by DE in Transfer 2010 Guidance) attending the school or having been selected for admission to the school in the coming school year.
3) Girls who, at the date of their application, have a parent/guardian who is a member of the permanent teaching, administrative, or ancillary staff of the Sacred Heart Grammar School.
4) Girls who are the first girl of the family (as defined by DE in Transfer 2010 Guidance) to apply to a Grammar School
5) Tie Breaker Criteria outlined as follows:
6) If there are more applicants who satisfy any one of the Sub Criteria (i)-(iii) when they are being applied in the order of priority as set down above than there are places available, applicants within that sub criterion will be ranked for acceptance on the basis of a computer-based process which will make use of the full names of applicants as shown on their Transfer Forms. The process is carried out by means of a computer program which, for each applicant, generates a ranking number using the details from the Transfer Form as the seed for a random number generator.
Visit Sacred Heart Grammar School website for a more detailed Admissions Policy document – https://www.shsnewry.com