Ballyclare High School Information

🏫 Ballyclare High School – SEAG Practice Papers with Video Explanations

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Voluntary Grammar School | Co-educational | Ballyclare, County Antrim | Ages 11–18

📚 History of Ballyclare High School

Ballyclare High School was founded in 1904 and has developed into a respected co-educational grammar school located in Ballyclare, County Antrim. The school serves a large catchment area that includes Greater Belfast, Antrim, and parts of Newtownabbey and Mid & East Antrim.

Ballyclare High is known for its balanced approach to education, combining strong academic performance with a vibrant co-curricular programme. Its ethos is rooted in values of excellence, opportunity, care, and respect, fostering a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to flourish both academically and personally.

👨‍🎓 Pupil Numbers & School Structure

• Total Pupils: ~1,150

• Year 8 Intake: ~180 pupils

• Sixth Form: ~300+ students

• Gender: Co-educational

• Age Range: 11–18

• School Type: Voluntary Grammar School

• Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational (inclusive Christian ethos)

🎓 Academic Reputation

Ballyclare High School is widely regarded for its high academic standards, strong pastoral care, and broad subject offering. It consistently performs well in both GCSE and A-Level results and supports students in accessing a wide range of career and higher education pathways.

✅ Academic Strengths:

• Excellence in Sciences, English, Mathematics, Modern Languages, and Humanities

• A wide range of A-Level and GCSE subject choices, including STEM and Creative Arts

• Strong university progression, including to Queen’s, Ulster University, and Russell Group universities

📊 Academic Performance:

• GCSEs:

  • ~97–100% of pupils achieve 5+ GCSEs at grades A–C*, including English and Maths

  • ~85%+ of all grades typically at A–B*

• A-Levels:

  • ~85–90% of grades at A–C*

  • High proportion of students accepted into competitive courses such as Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Finance

🏆 Awards & Recognition

• Strong ETI Inspection Reports, praising:

  • Teaching quality and school leadership

  • Academic success and student wellbeing

  • Effective learning support and careers education

• Awards and achievements in:

  • UK Maths Challenge, Science Olympiads, and Young Enterprise NI

  • Ulster Schools’ Rugby and Hockey success

  • Eco-Schools Green Flag status

• Regular participants and winners in:

  • BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition

  • Public speaking and debating competitions

🏫 Ballyclare High School – Contact Information

School Name: Ballyclare High School
Type: Co-educational Voluntary Grammar School (Ages 11–18)
Location: Ballyclare, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

📍 Address:

Ballyclare High School
Rashee Road
Ballyclare
County Antrim
BT39 9HJ
Northern Ireland
United Kingdom

☎️ Telephone:

+44 (0)28 9332 2610

📧 Email:

info@ballyclarehigh.ballyclare.ni.sch.uk

🌐 Website:

https://www.ballyclarehigh.co.uk

📱 Social Media:

• Facebook: Ballyclare High School

• Twitter/X: @BallyclareHigh

SEAG Score Needed to get into Ballyclare High School

Below is historical scores for Ballyclare High School from 2023 to 2014.

2023 Lowest Grade – AQE – 91
2022 Lowest Grade – AQE – 91
2021 N/A
2020 Lowest Grade – AQE – 90
2019 Lowest Grade – AQE – 90
2018 Lowest Grade – AQE – 89
2017 Lowest Grade – AQE – 90
2016 Lowest Grade – AQE – 97
2015 Lowest Grade – AQE – 98
2014 Lowest Grade – AQE – 96

As you can see from the above stats 91 in AQE test in recent years will have got you into Ballyclare High School. The highest score needed was 98 in 2015.
A 98 score in old AQE test is equivalent to 192 in new SEAG test, so based on past intake a minimum score of 192+ in SEAG test would give your child a very high chance of getting accepted into Ballyclare High 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 Ballyclare High School

Preparing for the SEAG Transfer Test effectively is crucial to securing a place at highly competitive grammar schools like Ballyclare High 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
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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.
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✔ 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.

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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.

Ballyclare High 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 Ballyclare High School.

Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for Ballyclare High 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 Ballyclare High 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.

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📋 Admissions Criteria

If applications exceed available places (~180), the school applies the following criteria:

1. Applicants ranked by SEAG Transfer Test score

2. Siblings of current or former pupils

3. Children of staff or past pupils

4. Pupils attending contributory primary schools

5. Geographical proximity to the school

6. Tie-breaker: Random selection if required

✅ Special Circumstances/Provisions (e.g. SEN, illness, bereavement, or late arrivals to NI) will be considered with appropriate documentation.

📅 Admissions Timeline 

SEAG Information for ‘Ballyclare High 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. Ballyclare High Schoolis a SEAG School. Ballyclare High 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 Ballyclare High 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:
Applications for those pupils who have sat the SEAG Entrance Assessments, will be considered irrespective of the order of preference of schools they have expressed. The first criterion for selection for a place in Year 8 at Ballyclare High School will be the pupil’s Total Standardised Age Score (TSAS) provided by the SEAG. Consideration will also be given to those pupils claiming Special Circumstances and/or Special Provisions as defined below in section 2.
Whilst Ballyclare High School does not use preference as part of its criteria for admission, it is important to note how such preference may affect the general admission process to a post primary school. All applications for admission will be considered in the first instance by the post primary school listed as first preference and should the applicant be successful in gaining entrance to that school, they will not be considered by the schools listed as second preference and so on. However, should an applicant be unsuccessful in gaining entrance to a school of higher preference and thereby come forward for entrance to Ballyclare High School, the criteria will be applied to the applicant. He/she will be ranked in the first instance by the SEAG TSAS alongside all other applicants irrespective of preference.
When considering which children should be selected for admission, the School Improvement Committee will only take into account information which is detailed on or uploaded with the Transfer Application, including the TSAS provided by the Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group (SEAG) (or the score assigned as a result of consideration of Special Circumstances and/or Special Provisions). It is the responsibility of parents/carers to make sure that all information pertaining to their child and relevant to the School’s admissions criteria, as outlined below, is stated on or uploaded with the Transfer Application.
All children 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 child’s birth certificate and proof of address should be uploaded with the Transfer Application. Proof of address – any TWO of the following recent (within 6 months of the closing date of application to the School) documents with sensitive information redacted: bank/building society statement; utility bill (e.g. electricity, gas, TV licence, landline telephone); addressed payslip; letter awarding Child Benefit to the child or another letter relating to this benefit; mortgage statement; Land and Property Services Rates Demand; financial statement such as an ISA, pension or endowment; current driving licence; rental agreement.
If the number of applications is greater than the Admissions Number, the following criteria shall be applied in the order listed below until the point where the Admissions Number is complete:
1.1 Children who have taken the SEAG Entrance Assessments and been awarded a TSAS (or had a score assigned as a result of Special Circumstances and/or Special Provisions) will be considered before other children.
1.2 The first 186 places will be allocated to pupils on the basis of the rank order of their TSAS (or the score assigned as a result of Special Circumstances and/or Special Provisions). Pupils achieving higher scores will be allocated places before those attaining lower scores. Where a number of pupils seeking the 186th place have attained the same score then all such pupils will be admitted up to the School’s Admissions Number using the tie-breaker criteria listed in paragraph 1.4 below.
1.3 If, following the application of criteria 1.2 above all available places have not been filled the School will then consider for admission any pupils who have not taken the SEAG Entrance Assessments. The tie-breaker criteria listed in paragraph 1.4 below will be used to determine the allocation of the remaining Tie breaker criteria
I. Children who have a child of the family# enrolled in the School or been accepted for enrolment in2023;
II. Children who are the eldest child or the only child of thefamily*;
III. The age of the child, with preference being given to the eldestchild;
IV. In the unlikely event of two or more children having the same birthday, rank order will be determined on the basis outlined below: places.
(a) Children will be selected for admission based on the initial letter of the surname as it appears on the birth certificate in the order set out below. This order was determined by random selection.
(b) Where surnames begin with the same letter, the second and, if necessary, subsequent letters will be used in alphabetical order to establish relative priority for admission.
(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 first forenames begin with the same letter, the second and, if necessary, subsequent letters will be used in alphabetical order to establish relative priority for admission.
(e) Where no priority can be established by means of this direct alphabetical comparison (e.g. ‘Alan’ ‘Alanna’) the child with the shorter first forename will be prioritised for admission.
(f) Where children have the same first 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’.
# 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.
* Twins and other multiples who are eldest in the family are treated as joint eldest children. Eldest ‘child of the family’ includes cases where their next sibling has completed his/her post-primary education, and where the eldest child of the family was in receipt of a statement of special needs or has attended a special school/unit. The School will also include in this category children who have moved to reside within the areas of Belfast City Council, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council or Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, and so are the eldest child eligible to attend Ballyclare High School. Parents/Carers should provide verification with the Transfer Application in the form of a letter. That letter should state how the child is the eldest and that they are known to the verifier. The letter must be written on headed paper and signed by one of the following who is not a member of the applicant’s family: a primary school principal; a medical practitioner; a solicitor; a member of the clergy or equivalent; a police officer.
Ballyclare High School website for a more detailed Admissions Policy document – the https://ballyclarehigh.co.uk

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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.