St Colman’s College Newry Information

🏫 St Colman’s College, 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-Boys | Newry, County Down | Ages 11–18

📚 History of St Colman’s College, Newry

St Colman’s College was founded in 1823 by Bishop Michael Blake, making it one of the oldest and most prestigious Catholic grammar schools in Northern Ireland. It is often affectionately referred to as “The Violet Hill School” due to its picturesque location on Violet Hill overlooking the city of Newry.

The school was established to provide Catholic classical education, originally to train clergy, but evolved into a full grammar school offering broad academic opportunities. St Colman’s remains deeply committed to its Catholic ethos, academic excellence, and tradition of leadership, with strong connections to the Diocese of Dromore.

👨‍🎓 Pupil Numbers & Structure

• Total Pupils: ~870

• Year 8 Intake: ~125–130 pupils

• Sixth Form: ~200+ students

• Gender: Boys only

• Age Range: 11–18

• School Type: Voluntary Catholic Grammar School

• Religious Affiliation: Catholic (Diocese of Dromore)

🎓 Academic Reputation

St Colman’s is consistently ranked among Northern Ireland’s top academic boys’ schools. The college is known for outstanding GCSE and A-Level performance, a strong university admissions record, and its focus on holistic formation—academic, spiritual, cultural, and athletic.

✅ Academic Strengths:

• Particularly strong in Mathematics, Sciences, Languages, History, Business, and ICT

• High levels of student progression to Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, and Oxbridge

• Excellent support for Medicine, Dentistry, Law, and Engineering pathways

📊 Exam Results:

• GCSEs:

  • ~100% of students achieve 7+ GCSEs A–C*

  • ~85–90% of grades are A–A*

• A-Levels:

  • ~80–85% of grades at A–B*

  • Strong track record of placing students in Russell Group universities

🏆 Awards & Recognition

• Top 5 Grammar School in NI for academic results

• Past winner of Sunday Times NI Secondary School of the Year

🏫 St Colman’s College, Newry – Contact Information

School Name: St Colman’s College
Type: Catholic Voluntary Grammar School for Boys (Ages 11–18)
Location: Newry, County Down, Northern Ireland

📍 Address:

St Colman’s College
Violet Hill
41 College Road
Newry
County Down
BT34 2DT
Northern Ireland
United Kingdom

☎️ Telephone:

+44 (0)28 3026 2457

📧 Email:

info@stcolmans.org.uk

🌐 Website:

https://www.stcolmans.org.uk

📱 Social Media:

• Facebook: St Colman’s College Newry

• Twitter/X: @st_colmans

• Instagram: @stcolmanscollege

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

SEAG Score Needed to get into St Colman’s College

Below is historical scores for St Colman’s College from 2022 to 2014.

2023 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 224
2022 Lowest Grade – Academic Selection not used.
2021 N/A
2020 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 219
2019 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 219
2018 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 219
2017 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 219
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 224 in PPTC/GL in all years will have got you into St Colman’s College. The highest score needed was 234 in 2016.
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 St Colman’s 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 St Colman’s College Newry

Preparing for the SEAG Transfer Test effectively is crucial to securing a place at highly competitive grammar schools like St Colman’s College Newry. 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 St Colman’s College Newry Admission

• St Colman’s College Newry 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 St Colman’s College Newry 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 St Colman’s College Newry 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 the school is oversubscribed, places are allocated in the following priority:

1. Pupils with SEAG scores above the qualifying standard

2. Baptised Catholic boys (with baptismal certificate)

3. Siblings of current or former pupils

4. Boys attending Catholic feeder primary schools

5. Children of staff or alumni

6. Geographical proximity to the school

📝 Special Circumstances (e.g. illness, SEN, family trauma) and Special Provisions (e.g. late arrival to the area) may be considered with valid documentation.

📅 Admissions Timeline

💷 Fees

• St Colman’s is a state-funded Catholic grammar school – no tuition fees

• Optional costs may include:

  • Uniform

  • Educational trips and retreats

  • Music lessons

  • Voluntary school fund contribution

SEAG Exam Information for ‘St Colman’s 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. St Colman’s College is a SEAG School. St Colman’s 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 St Colman’s 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:
St Colman’s College, Newry, is a Catholic grammar school for boys. The College normally accepts boys who are academically suited for the type of education it offers and whose parents/guardians are in agreement with the aims and ethos of the College. When considering which children can be selected for admission, the Board of Governors will only take into account information which parents/guardians detail on the Transfer Application. Parents/guardians must ensure that all information pertaining to their child and relevant to the school’s admission criteria is stated on the Transfer Application or included as an uploaded attachment. An example of such information is whether the child has or had a sibling (list name of sibling) who was enrolled in the school or whether the child is registered with the Education Authority as being entitled to Free School Meals.
1) Boys awarded Band 1 in the SEAG Entrance Assessment and those boys 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 boys awarded Band 1 and then Band 2 down to Band 6.
2) In the event of more applications being received than places available within a particular band or category 1 to 7 above (oversubscription), all applicable subcriteria i to vi below, will be applied initially to i. those applicants within the oversubscribed category whose application expresses a first preference on the Transfer Application to St. Colman’s College, then to ii. iii. iv. those applicants within the oversubscribed category whose application expresses a second preference on the Transfer Application to St. Colman’s College, then to those applicants within the oversubscribed category whose application expresses a third preference on the Transfer Application to St. Colman’s College, then to those applicants within the oversubscribed category whose application expresses a fourth or lower preference on the Transfer Application to St. Colman’s College. This will result in those who express a higher preference for St. Colman’s College in the oversubscribed category, being ranked, using subcriteria i to vi below, above those who expressed a lower preference for St. Colman’s College using subcriteria i to vi below.
3) Notwithstanding oversubscription, the individual rank within each criteria is determined by the extent to which any applicant qualifies for the criteria and sub criteria applied in the order set down. This results in a complete rank order of all applicants. The first ranked 125 applicants as outlined above will be admitted.
4) Boys who, at the date of their application, have a parent/guardian who is a member of the permanent teaching, administrative, or non-teaching staff of St Colman’s College. Applicants must state name of member of staff and nature of relationship (mother, father, guardian) on the Transfer Application Boys who, at the date of their application, have another child of the family enrolled in the College or having been selected for admission to the College in the coming academic year. Applicants must state the name, date of birth and registration group of the child enrolled in the College on the Transfer Application.
5) Boys who have had another child of the family previously enrolled in the College. Applicants must state the name, date of birth and the dates that the previously enrolled child attended the College.
6) Boys who are the first boy of the family to transfer to secondary education, i.e. the eldest boy of the family – Procedure for Transfer from Primary to Post Primary Education.
7) Tie Breaker Criteria for twins and children of other multiple births Where, in the event of having to use the tie breaker in the process of determining rank order for twins and other children of multiple births, the procedure will be conducted as set out above but, on completion, the ranking number of the second and any subsequent boy of the multiple birth will be changed to that number immediately after the ranking number of the first boy and the ranking number of all other applicants whose ranking was lower than that of the first boy will be changed accordingly as a result.
Visit St Colman’s College website for a more detailed Admissions Policy document – the https://www.stcolmans.org.uk