🏫 Assumption Grammar School – SEAG Practice Papers with Video Explanations
Catholic Voluntary Grammar School | Girls | Ballynahinch, County Down | Ages 11–18
📚 History of Assumption Grammar School
Assumption Grammar School was founded in 1933 by the Missionary Sisters of the Assumption, with a vision to provide an outstanding education for young Catholic girls in South Down and beyond. Over the decades, it has grown into one of Northern Ireland’s leading all-girls grammar schools, blending academic excellence with faith-based values.
Located in Ballynahinch, County Down, the school serves pupils from a wide geographical area including Belfast, Newry, Banbridge, Downpatrick, and Lisburn. The school continues to uphold the values of its founding order: faith, integrity, compassion, and academic success, while welcoming students of all backgrounds.
The school motto is:
“Esse quam videri” – To be, rather than to seem.
👨🎓 Pupil Numbers & Structure
-
Total Pupils: ~950
-
Year 8 Intake: ~130 pupils
-
Sixth Form: ~220 students
-
Gender: Girls only
-
Age Range: 11–18
-
School Type: Catholic Voluntary Grammar School
-
Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic (inclusive ethos)
🎓 Academic Reputation
Assumption Grammar School has a strong academic track record, consistently performing at a high level in public examinations. It is known for its supportive learning environment, holistic development, and preparation of pupils for professional and university life.
✅ Academic Strengths:
-
Particularly strong in STEM subjects, English, Languages, Business, and Religious Education
-
Offers a broad range of GCSE and A-Level subjects including Music, Drama, Politics, and Health & Social Care
-
Excellent careers guidance and university placement, including Medicine, Law, and Engineering
📊 Academic Results:
-
GCSEs:
-
~100% of pupils achieve 5+ GCSEs at A–C*, including English and Maths
-
~90% of grades are typically at A–B*
-
-
A-Levels:
-
~85–90% of grades at A–C*
-
High progression rates to Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, Trinity College Dublin, and UK Russell Group universities
-
🏆 Awards & Recognition
-
Outstanding ETI inspection reports for:
-
Academic achievement
-
Leadership and management
-
Quality of teaching and pupil engagement
-
-
Notable achievements in:
-
BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition
-
Young Enterprise NI
-
UK Maths Challenge and Science Olympiads
-
-
Recognised as:
-
STEM centre of excellence in the region
-
Holder of the Eco-Schools Green Flag
-
Strong contributor to Catholic education and girls’ leadership
-
🏫 Assumption Grammar School – Contact Information
School Name: Assumption Grammar School
Type: Catholic Voluntary Grammar School for Girls (Ages 11–18)
Location: Ballynahinch, County Down, Northern Ireland
📍 Address:
Assumption Grammar School
24 Belfast Road
Ballynahinch
County Down
BT24 8EA
Northern Ireland
United Kingdom
☎️ Telephone:
+44 (0)28 9756 2250
📧 Email:
info@assumption.ballynahinch.ni.sch.uk
🌐 Website:
https://www.assumptiongrammar.org.uk
📱 Social Media:
-
Facebook: Assumption Grammar School
-
Twitter/X: @AssumptionGS
-
Instagram: @assumptiongs
SEAG Score Needed to get into Assumption Grammar School
Below is historical scores for Assumption Grammar School from 2023 to 2014.
2023 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 229
2022 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 213
2021 N/A
2020 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 224
2019 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 224
2018 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 224
2017 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 234
2016 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 224
2015 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 224
2014 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 213
As you can see from the above stats 224 in PPTC/GL test in most years will have got you into Assumption Grammar School. The highest score needed was 229 in 2023 for PPTC/GL and lowest score was 213 in 2014.
A 229 score in old PPTC/GL test is equivalent to 197 in new SEAG test, so based on past intake a minimum score of 197+ in SEAG test would give your child a very high chance of getting accepted into Assumption Grammar 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 |
How to Use ExamTutor SEAG Transfer Test Practice Papers (with Video Explanations) to Achieve High Scores for Assumption Grammar School
Preparing for the SEAG Transfer Test effectively is crucial to securing a place at highly competitive grammar schools like Assumption 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.
Assumption 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 Assumption Grammar School.
Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for Assumption 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 Assumption 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
If applications exceed available places (~130), the following criteria will be applied:
-
SEAG Transfer Test score – ranked in descending order
-
Baptised Catholic girls
-
Siblings of current or past pupils
-
Children of staff or past pupils
-
Pupils from named contributory Catholic primary schools
-
Proximity to school (used as a tie-breaker)
✅ Special Circumstances/Provisions may apply for:
-
Pupils with special educational needs (SEN)
-
Illness or family bereavement affecting performance
-
Newcomers to Northern Ireland
Applicants must submit appropriate documentation with their application.
📅 Admissions Timeline
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| SEAG Registration Opens | May |
| SEAG Registration Closes | September |
| SEAG Test Dates | November(2 Saturdays) |
| Results Released | January |
| EA Online Application Opens | Late January |
| Application Deadline | February |
| School Offers Made | March |
SEAG Exam Information for ‘Assumption 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. Assumption Grammar Schoolis a SEAG School. Assumption Grammar Schoolwill 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 Assumption 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:
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR YEAR 8 PUPILS TO ASSUMPTION GRAMMAR SCHOOL, BALLYNAHINCH Assumption Grammar School will initially consider only those applicants who have taken the SEAG Entrance Assessments and who have been awarded a Band or assigned a Band pursuant to “special circumstances” or “special provisions”. Information on the SEAG Entrance Assessments is available on the school’s website www.assumptiongrammar.org.uk or from the SEAG website www.seagni.co.uk .
ALLOCATION OF PLACES When an applicant receives the result from the SEAG Assessments, they will be awarded a Band and a cohort percentile. Band Cohort Percentile Band 1 60%+ Band 2 50-59% Band 3 40-49% Band 4 30-39% Band 5 20-29% Band 6 <20%
In order to determine which applicants will be accepted into Year 8, the following criteria will be applied in the order set down:
A. Applicants who have been awarded Band 1 in the SEAG Assessments and also those applicants to whom Special Circumstances or Special Provisions apply and who on the documented evidence submitted, appear to be of comparable ability to applicants awarded Band 1.
B. Applicants who have been awarded Band 2 in the SEAG Assessments and also those applicants to whom Special Circumstances or Special Provisions apply and who on the documented evidence submitted, appear to be of comparable ability to applicants awarded Band 2.
C. Applicants who have been awarded Band 3 in the SEAG Assessments and also those applicants to whom Special Circumstances or Special Provisions apply and who on the documented evidence submitted, appear to be of comparable ability to applicants awarded Band 3.
D. Applicants who have been awarded Band 4 in the SEAG Assessments and also those applicants to whom Special Circumstances or Special Provisions apply and who on the documented evidence submitted, appear to be of comparable ability to applicants awarded Band 4.
E. Applicants who have been awarded Band 5 in the SEAG Assessments and also those applicants to whom Special Circumstances or Special Provisions apply and who on the documented evidence submitted, appear to be of comparable ability to applicants awarded Band 5.
F. Applicants who have been awarded Band 6 in the SEAG Assessments and also those applicants to whom Special Circumstances or Special Provisions apply and who on the documented evidence submitted, appear to be of comparable ability to applicants awarded Band 6.
G. Other Applicants.
If there are more applicants in a category under consideration (i.e. Bands 1-6 and Other applicants) than there are number of places available, priority will be given in descending order to those who indicate on the Transfer Application that they are:
(i) Applicants who have/had a sibling (past or present) at the school or already accepted for the coming year. (Name and year left/current year group of sibling to be stated on Transfer Application).
(ii) An applicant who is the eldest or only girl in her family, or who is the first girl in her family to transfer to a Grammar school. This Criterion covers ‘only’ children and will treat twins or other multiples as joint eldest. For the purpose of this criterion “eldest child of the family”. The Procedure for Transfer from Primary to Post Primary Education. The parents/guardians must provide evidence stating that the applicant is the eldest or only girl in her family, or is the first girl in her family to transfer to a Grammar school. The applicant and family must be known for at least two years to the verifier of such evidence. It must be written on headed notepaper and signed by a verifier who is not a member of the applicant’s family. Examples of this might include a medical practitioner, a solicitor, a Priest / Minister of Religion or a Primary School Principal
(iii) An applicant who is a Child Looked After. For the purpose of this criterion “Child Looked After”: The Procedure for Transfer from Primary to Post Primary Education. “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 in a residential home, residential school, foster placement or in a family placement with a relative or occasionally at home.”
(iv) An applicant who is entitled to Free School Meals. “Entitled to Free School Meals” will mean applicants who are listed on the Education Authority Register as entitled to Free School Meals at the date on which their parent or guardian has signed their Post Primary Transfer Application. If it is stated on the Transfer Application that an applicant is currently registered as Free School Meal Entitled, and that claim is decisive in qualifying her for admission, then that information will be verified. If it is found to be incorrect, then any place offered because of it will be withdrawn.
(v) An applicant for whom Assumption Grammar School is the nearest Catholic Grammar School which caters for girls. Distance will be measured from the applicant’s permanent place of residence to the front gate of Assumption Grammar School using a radial distance mapping tool.
In the event that there are fewer applicants complying with a particular criterion than there are places available or remaining, those applicants complying with that criterion will be admitted and the next criterion will be applied to the remaining applicants.
In the event that there are more applicants complying with a particular criterion than there are places available or remaining, those applicants complying with that criterion will go forward to be considered under the next criterion and those not complying with that criterion will be eliminated. In the event that there are more applicants than there are places available or remaining on the application of the last criterion which can be applied, applicants will be selected for the remaining places on the basis of the initial letter(s) of the surname as identified on the birth certificate presented at registration for the Entrance Assessment.
In the event of the surnames beginning with the same letter, the subsequent letters of the surname will be used in order using the above randomised selection. In the event of two or more identical surnames, the randomised order of the initial of the forenames will be used. Where names cannot be separated by this process, children will be accepted by date of birth with preference given to the oldest. Where, after this process has been applied, any applicants continue to tie for a final place, places will be allocated by randomised computer selection.
Assumption Grammar School website for a more detailed Admissions Policy document – the https://www.assumptiongrammar.org.uk
SEAG Products for Assumption Grammar School
Our practice Test Papers, Online Bootcamps, Live Tutor Bootcamps and Mock exams can give your child the edge over the competition for the SEAG exam, while also boosting their confidence which is an often overlooked issue. Our SEAG Practice Test Papers will allow your child to become more familiar with the test questions and to better understand the key topics being tested. Our SEAG Boot Camps will allow your child to master the key topics and our Mock Exams will give your child valuable exam experience.
