Slemish College Info

🏫 Slemish College – SEAG Information & SEAG Practice Papers

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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Controlled Integrated College | Co-educational | Ballymena, County Antrim | Ages 11–18

📚 History of Slemish College

Slemish College was founded in 1996 in Ballymena, County Antrim, in response to growing local demand for integrated education—a model that brings together students from Catholic, Protestant, and other backgrounds in a shared learning environment. The school began with just 84 pupils and has since grown significantly.

Named after Slemish Mountain, the historic site where St Patrick is believed to have spent part of his early life, the College reflects its inclusive ethos by promoting equality, mutual respect, and academic achievement for all.

As one of Northern Ireland’s most popular integrated post-primary schools, Slemish College has built a reputation for its strong pastoral care, academic performance, and commitment to community harmony.

👨‍🎓 Pupil Numbers & School Structure

• Total Pupils: ~800

• Year 8 Intake: ~120 students

• Sixth Form: ~130–150 students

• Gender: Co-educational

• Age Range: 11–18

• School Type: Controlled Integrated College (non-selective)

• Religious Ethos: Integrated (equal numbers from Catholic and Protestant backgrounds; inclusive of other faiths and none)

🎓 Academic Reputation

Although Slemish College is a non-selective school, it consistently performs well above average and is respected for its commitment to inclusive academic excellence.

✅ Academic Strengths:

• Offers a wide range of GCSE and A-Level subjects, including traditional academic and vocational pathways

• Strong outcomes in English, Science, ICT, Business Studies, and Modern Languages

• High levels of pupil progression to universities, further education, and apprenticeships

• Strong support for students with SEN and gifted & talented programmes

📊 Academic Performance:

• GCSE:

  • ~80–85% of students achieve 5+ GCSEs at A–C*, including English and Maths

  • Notable success in STEM and creative subjects

• A-Level:

  • High pass rate

  • Most pupils achieve 3 A-Levels or equivalent

  • Many students go on to Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, and local colleges

🏆 Awards & Recognition

• Recognised as one of Northern Ireland’s leading integrated schools

• Excellent reports from ETI inspections, especially in:

  • Leadership and management

  • Pastoral care

  • Quality of teaching

• Eco-Schools Green Flag status

• Success in:

  • Young Enterprise NI

  • STEM challenges and science fairs

  • Creative writing and debating competitions

SEAG Score Needed to get into Slemish College

Below is historical scores for Slemish College from 2023 to 2014.

2023 Lowest Grade – AQE – 94-98, PPTC/GL – 220
2022 Lowest Grade – AQE – 88 – 93, PPTC/GL – 214
2021 N/A
2020 Lowest Grade – AQE – 94-98, PPTC/GL – 220
2019 Lowest Grade – AQE – 94-98, PPTC/GL – 220
2018 Lowest Grade – AQE – 94-98, PPTC/GL – 220
2017 Lowest Grade – AQE – 94-98, PPTC/GL – 220
2016 Lowest Grade – AQE – 94-98, PPTC/GL – 220
2015 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 219
2014 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 219
As you can see from the above stats 220 in PPTC/GL test and 98 in AQE test in most years will have got you into Slemish College. The highest score needed was 220 in most years for PPTC/GL & 98 for AQE.
A 220 score in old PPTC\GL test is equivalent to 185 in new SEAG test, an AQE score of 98 is equivalent to 191 in new SEAG test so based on past intake a minimum score of 191+ in SEAG test would give your child a very high chance of getting accepted into Slemish College.

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 Slemish College

Preparing for the SEAG Transfer Test effectively is crucial to securing a place at highly competitive grammar schools like Slemish College. 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 Slemish College Admission

• Strabane Academy ranks 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 Slemish College 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 Strabane Academy 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)

Slemish College aims to admit pupils in line with its integrated ethos: equal representation from Catholic and Protestant backgrounds, and pupils from other or no religious backgrounds.

When oversubscribed, criteria may include:

1. Religious balance (equal split between Catholic and Protestant backgrounds)

2. Siblings currently enrolled at the school

3. Children of staff or past pupils

4. Children attending integrated or partner primary schools

5. Proximity to the school

📌 The school’s Religious Declaration Form may be used to assess background for balance.

📍 Contact Information

• 🌐 Website: www.slemishcollege.org.uk

• 📧 Email: info@slemishcollege.org.uk

• ☎️ Phone: 028 2563 0756

• 🏫 Address: Larne Road, Ballymena, BT42 3HA, Northern Ireland

SEAG Exam Information for ‘Slemish College’.

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. Slemish College is a SEAG School. Slemish College 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 Slemish College

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:
The College wishes to cater for grammar and all ability entry. With our all ability intake our aim is to effect an intake which is as close as possible to the ratio of 40% Catholic, 40% Protestant and 20% of applicants of other faiths or none (‘Other’ category), however the College cannot guarantee that the admissions intake for Year 8 will equate to these exact ratios. For the Academic Year 2024/25 Slemish College will continue to use academic criteria to select applicants for our Stage 1 Grammar Entry.
The Board of Governors will consider applications from Primary 7 children who have taken the Entrance Assessment anywhere in Northern Ireland provided by SEAG.
1) Preference will be given to those pupils with the highest SEAG Total Standardised Age Score in strict rank order until all places have been filled up to 35% of the school admissions number.
2) Applicants who have a ‘child of the family’*, currently enrolled at the College.
3) Applicants who are the ‘eldest child’** currently in education, who have had a ‘child of the family’*, previously attend Slemish College at least until the completion of Key Stage 4.
4) Applicants who are the ‘eldest child’**.
5) Applicants who are currently enrolled at a grant maintained integrated primary school or controlled integrated primary school, and have attended a grant maintained integrated primary school or controlled integrated primary school for all of Key Stage 2.
6) All other applicants – a unique random computerised number (which was allocated on receipt of applications) will be assigned and used for Criterion 5 applicants to allocate places in ascending order.
Visit Slemish College website for a more detailed Admissions Policy document – https://www.slemish-college.org.uk

SEAG Products for Slemish College

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.