Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School Information

🏫 Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School – 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
• 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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Catholic Voluntary Grammar School | Co-educational | Belfast, Northern Ireland | Ages 11–18

📚 History of Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School

Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School was established in 1993 and is one of the newest grammar schools in Northern Ireland. Despite its relatively recent founding, it has quickly gained a reputation for academic excellence, innovation, and pastoral care. The school is named after St Thomas Aquinas, the patron saint of education and scholars, reflecting its commitment to faith, learning, and reason.

Situated in South Belfast, Aquinas serves a wide catchment area including Belfast, Lisburn, Carryduff, and North Down. The school operates with a Catholic ethos but warmly welcomes students of all faiths and none, promoting values such as respect, compassion, and integrity.

The motto of the school is:
“Veritas Liberabit Vos” – The Truth Will Set You Free.

👨‍🎓 Pupil Numbers & School Structure

• Total Pupils: ~1,050

• Year 8 Intake: ~130–140 pupils

• Sixth Form: ~280 students

• Gender: Co-educational

• Age Range: 11–18

• School Type: Catholic Voluntary Grammar School

• Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic (inclusive and open to all)

🎓 Academic Reputation

Aquinas is widely regarded as one of the top Catholic grammar schools in Belfast, with consistently strong results at both GCSE and A-Level, and a focus on supporting students of all abilities.

✅ Academic Strengths:

• Strong in Sciences, English, Languages, Business Studies, and the Arts

• Excellent university entrance rates including Oxbridge, Queen’s, Ulster University, and Russell Group universities

• Specialist teachers and modern facilities, including IT, science labs, and creative arts studios

📊 Academic Performance:

• GCSEs:

  • ~99–100% of students achieve 7+ GCSEs at grades A–C*, including English and Maths

  • ~90%+ of grades typically at A–B*

• A-Levels:

  • ~88–90% of grades at A–C*

  • High progression to Medicine, Law, Engineering, Teaching, and Humanities courses

🏆 Awards & Recognition

• Outstanding ETI (Education & Training Inspectorate) inspections for:

  • Leadership and management

  • Teaching and learning

  • Pupil outcomes and safeguarding

• Frequent winners/finalists in:

  • Young Enterprise NI

  • BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition

  • UK Maths Challenge, Science Olympiads, and Debating Competitions

• Recognised as:

  • Eco-Schools Green Flag holder

  • Active in Catholic Schools’ Week, social justice and charity initiatives

🏫 Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School – Contact Information

School Name: Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School
Type: Catholic Co-educational Voluntary Grammar School (Ages 11–18)
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland

📍 Address:

Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School
518 Ravenhill Road
Belfast
BT6 0BY
Northern Ireland
United Kingdom

☎️ Telephone:

+44 (0)28 9064 3939

📧 Email:

info@aquinas.belfast.ni.sch.uk

🌐 Website:

https://www.aquinasgrammar.com

📱 Social Media:

• Facebook: Aquinas Grammar School

• Twitter/X: @AquinasGS

SEAG Score Needed to get into Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School

Below is historical scores for Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School from 2023 to 2014.

2024 Lowest Grade – SEAG – 207
2023 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 229
2022 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 234
2021 N/A
2020 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 234
2019 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 234
2018 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 234
2017 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 234
2016 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 234
2015 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 234
2014 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 234

As you can see from the above stats, 234 in PPTC/GL test in all years would have got you into Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School. The highest score needed was 234 in most years for PPTC/GL and the lowest score was 229 in 2023. We also have information on the SEAG score for 2024. The lowest SEAG score to get a place at Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School in 2024 was 207. A 234 score in old PPTC/GL test is equivalent to 206 in the 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 Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School. As we can see, a score of 207 got you a place at Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School in 2024, so the guide for past scores was not far off the mark. We would still recommend getting a score above 207 in the new SEAG test to have a high chance of getting accepted at Aquinas Diocesan 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 Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School

Preparing for the SEAG Transfer Test effectively is crucial to securing a place at highly competitive grammar schools like Aquinas Diocesan Grammar 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.

Aquinas Diocesan Grammar 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 Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School.

Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for Aquinas Diocesan 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 Aquinas Diocesan 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.

📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to SEAG success! 🚀

📋 Admissions Criteria 

When applications exceed available places (~130–140), the following priority criteria apply:

1. SEAG Transfer Test result – ranked order

2. Baptised Catholic children

3. Siblings of current or past pupils

4. Children of staff or former pupils

5. Pupils from named Catholic primary schools in the catchment area

6. Proximity to the school (tie-breaker)

✅ Special Circumstances (e.g. SEN, illness, bereavement, newcomers to Northern Ireland) are considered with relevant evidence.

📅 Admissions Timeline

SEAG Exam Information for ‘Aquinas Diocesan 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. Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School is a SEAG School. Aquinas Diocesan 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.

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:
  • “Punctuation Exercise” containing 5 multiple choice questions.
  • “Grammar Exercise” 5 multiple choice questions.
  • “Spelling Exercise” with 5 multiple choice questions.
  • “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:
  • The first 22 Maths questions (Q29-Q50) are multiple choice questions.
  • 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 Aquinas Diocesan 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 your 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:

Allocation of Places

Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School will give preference to those pupils for whom a band/SAS relating to the SEAG Entrance Assessment method has been awarded by SEAG or assigned by the Board of Governors pursuant to the special circumstances/special provisions procedures. Information on the SEAG Entrance Assessment is available from Aquinas, or available to download from the Aquinas website at www.aquinasgrammar.com. Preference will be given to applicants resident in Northern Ireland at the time of their proposed admission before any applicant who is not resident in Northern Ireland.

In order to determine which pupils will be accepted into Year 8 the following criteria will be applied in the order set down:

1. Priority will be given to those applicants who have been awarded a band 1 under the SEAG Assessment or who have been assigned a band 1 after consideration of Special Circumstances or Special Provision application. The school will award places on the basis of this band.
2. Priority will be given to those applicants who have been awarded a band 2 under the SEAG Assessment or who have been assigned a band 2 after consideration of Special Circumstances or Special Provision application. The school will award places on the basis of this band.
3. Priority will be given to those applicants who have been awarded a band 3 under the SEAG Assessment or who have been assigned a band 3 after consideration of Special Circumstances or Special Provision application. The school will award places on the basis of this band.
4. Priority will be given to those applicants who have been awarded a band 4 under the SEAG Assessment or who have been assigned a band 4 after consideration of Special Circumstances or Special Provision application. The school will award places on the basis of this band.
5. Priority will be given to those applicants who have been awarded a band 5 under the SEAG Assessment or who have been assigned a band 5 after consideration of Special Circumstances or Special Provision application. The school will award places on the basis of this band.
6. Priority will be given to those applicants who have been awarded a band 6 under the SEAG Assessment or who have been assigned a band 6 after consideration of Special Circumstances or Special Provision application. The school will award places on the basis of this band.

In the event of there being more applicants in any band than places available within each such band, priority will be given in descending order to those who indicate on the On-Line Transfer Application that they:

1. 1. Have a sibling in the school. Siblings are children who, at the date of their application, have a child of the family currently enrolled in Aquinas. (Please name the sibling and class).
   2. Are applicants who are the eldest child of the family or the eldest child at the date of application, eligible to transfer to a mainstream Post-Primary school, or the only child. ‘Eldest’ will also include those children whose:
      • Elder sibling attends a special school or unit. This is subject to satisfying verification requirements as set out below: [Twins or other multiples will be treated as joint eldest]. The verifying form V1 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:
        • a medical practitioner
        • a solicitor
        • a clergyman or equivalent
        • a primary school principal
   3. Priority will be given to applicants if they are enrolled pupils in the following feeder primary schools in no specific order: St. Anne’s PS BT10 0NE; St Bernard’s PS, BT6 0JS; St Bride’s PS, BT9 6FP; Holy Rosary PS, BT7 3DB; St Ita’s PS, BT8 6YY; St Joseph’s PS, BT8 8EX; St Malachy’s PS, BT7 2BJ; St Matthew’s PS, BT5 4EW; St Michael’s PS, BT6 0BW.
   4. Applicants who are a Child Looked After. A Child Looked After is defined by the Children (NI) Order 1995 as children ‘who are in the care of a Trust or who are provided with accommodation by a trust.’ (Accommodation may be a residential home, residential school, foster placement or in a family placement with a relative or occasionally at home.)
   5. Applicants will be selected if they are entitled to Free School Meals. ‘Entitled to Free School Meals’ will mean applicants who are listed on the Education Authority register and who are entitled to Free School Meals at the date on which their parent or guardian has completed their On-Line Transfer Application. Should family circumstances change after completion of the On-Line Transfer Application it is essential that parents/ guardians inform the Education Authority before 4pm on Thursday 4th March 2024. If it becomes necessary to make a final selection, in order to remain within the admissions number, applicants in this pool will be;
   6. Ranked by their Score – Total SAS and places awarded until none are left.
   7. If there are still ties for the final places after the above, then those tied for the final place(s) will be ranked for acceptance on the basis of a computer-based process which will make use of the names of applicants as shown on their On-Line Transfer Application. The process is carried out by means of a computer program which, for each applicant, generates a ranking number using the details from the full name as entered on the On-Line Transfer Application as the seed for a random number generator. The outcome, for any given applicant, is dependent only on the applicant’s name (as entered on the On-Line Transfer Application), and is not affected by the details of any other applicant. Although the process is repeatable, and the results may therefore be subsequently verified, it is not possible to predict, in advance of running the program, what the result will be for any given set of details. Applicants with the lowest ranking numbers will be given places up to the number of places available. [Each letter of the alphabet will be given a random value. Some will be positive and the others negative numbers.] This will be overseen by the Admissions Sub Committee of the Board of Governors.

When considering which children should be selected for admission, the Board of Governors will only take into account information which is detailed on On-Line Transfer Application. Parents should ensure that all information pertaining to their child and relevant to the school’s admissions criteria is uploaded as part of the Transfer Application.
Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School website for a more detailed Admissions Policy document – the https://www.aquinasgrammar.com