St Columb’s College Derry Information

🏫 St Columb’s College, Derry – 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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Catholic Voluntary Grammar School | All-Boys | Derry / Londonderry, Northern Ireland | Ages 11–18

📚 History of St Columb’s College

St Columb’s College was founded in 1879 by the Diocese of Derry, making it one of the oldest and most prestigious Catholic grammar schools in Northern Ireland. It is named after St Columba (Columb), one of Ireland’s most revered saints and a key figure in Irish monastic and missionary history.

Originally located in Bishop Street in Derry’s city centre, the school moved to its current spacious campus at Buncrana Road in 1960 to accommodate increasing pupil numbers. The college has produced some of Northern Ireland’s most influential figures, including two Nobel Laureates:

• Seamus Heaney (Literature)

• John Hume (Peace)

St Columb’s remains deeply rooted in its Catholic ethos, while embracing modern values of academic excellence, service, and personal development.

👨‍🎓 Pupil Numbers & Structure

• Total Pupils: ~1,200

• Year 8 Intake: ~170 boys

• Sixth Form: ~300+ students

• Gender: Boys only (Years 8–14)

• Age Range: 11–18

• School Type: Catholic Voluntary Grammar School

• Religious Ethos: Catholic (Diocese of Derry)

🎓 Academic Reputation

St Columb’s College is one of the top-performing boys’ grammar schools in Northern Ireland. It combines strong academic performance with an emphasis on leadership, character formation, and community involvement.

✅ Academic Strengths:

• Particularly strong in English Literature, History, Science, Business Studies, and Languages

• High progression to Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, and top UK/ROI universities

• Well-established career pathways for Medicine, Law, Engineering, Teaching, and the Arts

📊 Academic Performance:

• GCSEs:

  • ~98–100% of pupils achieve 7+ GCSEs A–C (including English and Maths)*

  • ~85% of grades at A–A*

• A-Levels:

  • ~80–85% of grades at A–B*

  • Significant number of students secure places in competitive degree courses

🏆 Awards & Recognition

• One of the only schools in the world with two Nobel Laureates as alumni

🏫 St Columb’s College – Contact Information

School Name: St Columb’s College
Type: Catholic Voluntary Grammar School for Boys (Ages 11–18)
Location: Derry / Londonderry, Northern Ireland

📍 Address:

St Columb’s College
Buncrana Road
Derry~Londonderry
BT48 8NH
Northern Ireland
United Kingdom

☎️ Telephone:

+44 (0)28 7128 5000

📧 Email:

info@stcolumbscollege.org

🌐 Website:

https://www.stcolumbs.com

📱 Social Media:

• Facebook: St Columb’s College

• Twitter/X: @StColumbs

• Instagram: @stcolumbscollege

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

SEAG Score Needed to get into St Columb’s College Derry

Below is historical scores for St Columb’s College Derry from 2023 to 2014.

2023 N/A
2022 N/A
2021 N/A
2020 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – less than 213
2019 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – less than 213
2018 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – less than 213
2017 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – less than 213
2016 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – less than 213
2015 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – less than 213
2014 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 219
As you can see from the above stats and 213 in PPTC/GL in all recent years will have got you into St Columb’s College Derry. The highest score needed was 219 in 2014.
A 234 score in old PPTC/GL test is equivalent to 183 in new SEAG test so based on past intake a minimum score of 183+ in SEAG test would give your child a very high chance of getting accepted into St Columb’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 Columb’s College Derry

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

• St Columb’s College Derry 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 Columb’s College Derry 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 Columb’s College Derry 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.

✏️ Year 8 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply

✅ Entry via SEAG Transfer Test

St Columb’s College Derry is part of the SEAG (Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group) and admits pupils into Year 8 based on performance in the SEAG Transfer Test.

🧪 SEAG Transfer Test Format

• The SEAG test replaces the previous AQE/GL systems

• Taken in November of Primary 7

• Two test papers:

  1. SEAG Test Paper 1

  2. SEAG Test Paper 2

• Each paper is 1 hour

• Questions are multiple choice and written responses

• Results are standardised and age-adjusted

St Louis Grammar School Kilkeel uses SEAG scores to rank applicants and apply admissions criteria.

📋 Admissions Criteria (Subject to Annual Review)

If oversubscribed, St Columb’s College Derry applies the following priority criteria:

1. Boys with a valid SEAG score

2. Baptised Catholic boys

3. Siblings of current or former students

4. Pupils from Catholic feeder primary schools

5. Sons of staff or past pupils

6. Proximity to the school (measured from home)

Special Circumstances/Provisions (e.g. illness, bereavement, SEN) may be considered if supported by evidence.

📅 Admissions Timeline

💷 Fees

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

• Optional charges may apply for:

  • Uniform

  • School trips and enrichment programmes

  • Instrumental music tuition

  • Voluntary contributions to the school fund

SEAG Exam Information for ‘St Columb’s College Derry’.

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 Columb’s College Derry is a SEAG School. St Columb’s College Derry 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 Columb’s College Derry

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:
Entrance Assessment Results
The Board of Governors has determined that admission to St Columb’s College in 2024 will be by an entrance assessment. All boys who wish to be considered for admission were advised to sit the assessments administered by SEAG. ADMISSIONS OF PUPILS TO YEAR 8 The Band (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6) attained by the applicant in the SEAG Entrance Assessment shall be used to determine his position in the rank order of students, as detailed in the Admissions Criteria below. Boys who have a Statement of Special Educational Needs will have their application dealt with by the Education Authority under separate arrangements and are supernumerary to the College’s Admissions and Enrolment Numbers.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA
During the admissions procedure, when applying the criteria, punctual and late applications will be treated equally by the authorised Sub-Committee of the Board of Governors.
The Board of Governors has determined that, in the event of the number of applicants being greater than the Admissions Number for the school, applicants shall be selected in the order of priority set down below, based on the information provided at the date of application.
1. Applicants awarded BAND 1 in the SEAG Entrance Assessment and those applicants regarding whom parental claims for consideration of special circumstances and/or special provision have been accepted and who, in the opinion of the authorised Sub-Committee, based on the documented evidence submitted, are of comparable ability to those pupils awarded BAND 1.
2. Applicants awarded BAND 2 in the SEAG Entrance Assessment and those applicants regarding whom parental claims for consideration of special circumstances and/or special provision have been accepted and who, in the opinion of the authorised Sub-Committee, based on the documented evidence submitted, are of comparable ability to those pupils awarded BAND 2.
3. Applicants awarded BAND 3 in the SEAG Entrance Assessment and those applicants regarding whom parental claims for consideration of special circumstances and/or special provision have been accepted and who, in the opinion of the authorised Sub-Committee, based on the documented evidence submitted, are of comparable ability to those pupils awarded BAND 3.
4. Applicants awarded BAND 4 in the SEAG Entrance Assessment and those applicants regarding whom parental claims for consideration of special circumstances and/or special provision have been accepted and who, in the opinion of the authorised Sub-Committee, based on the documented evidence submitted, are of comparable ability to those pupils awarded BAND 4.
5. Applicants awarded BAND 5 in the SEAG Entrance Assessment and those applicants regarding whom parental claims for consideration of special circumstances and/or special provision have been accepted and who, in the opinion of the authorised Sub-Committee, based on the documented evidence submitted, are of comparable ability to those pupils awarded BAND 5.
6. Applicants awarded BAND 6 in the SEAG Entrance Assessment and those applicants regarding whom parental claims for consideration of special circumstances and/or special provision have been accepted and who, in the opinion of the authorised Sub-Committee, based on the documented evidence submitted, are of comparable ability to those pupils awarded BAND 6.
7. Applicants other than those satisfying any one of criteria 1 – 6 above.
If there are more applicants who satisfy any one of criteria 1 – 7 when they are being applied in the order of priority set down above than there are places available, then pupils shall be selected to fill the remaining places by applying the following Sub-Criteria, in the order of priority set down below:
a. Applicants of whom a brother* is a pupil in the school or will be in the coming year.
b. (i) Applicants who are the eldest/first** boy of the family or,
(ii) in the case of a family which has arrived on or after 1 January 2019 in the College’s traditional catchment area (details of which are to be found in a leaflet available from the College), applicants who are the first boy to reach transfer age of that family since its arrival in the College’s traditional catchment area; or
(iii) Applicants of whom a brother* previously attended the school but has since left; or:
(iv) Applicants with elder brothers*, all of whom have already completed their post-primary education at a school other than St Columb’s College.
c. Applicants of whom a parent or step-parent or legally adopted parent is a permanent member of staff of St Columb’s College.
d. Applicants other than those satisfying any one of the sub-criteria (a) – (c) above
If there are more applicants who satisfy any one of sub-criteria (a) – (d) when they are being applied in the order of priority set down above than there are places available, the authorised Sub-Committee shall fill the remaining places by selecting on the basis of the initial letter of the surname (as appears on the birth/adoption certificate/legal document to confirm that a change has been made to the applicant’s name as it appears on his Birth Certificate.
The order was determined by a random selection, witnessed by the Board of Governors. In the event of surnames beginning with the same initial letter, the subsequent letters of the surnames will be used in the order set out above. In the event of two identical surnames, the initial and the subsequent letters of the forenames as they appear on the birth certificate etc. will be used in the order set out above. In the event of over-subscription in the last criterion that can be applied, selection for available places will be decided by lot.
WAITING LIST POLICY If a place(s) become(s) available in Year 8 and there are more applicants than there are places available in Year 8, pupils will be selected to fill the available place(s) by applying the criteria for admission of pupils in Year 8. Thereafter, parent(s)/guardian(s)/carer(s) who wish their child to be considered, should a place become available, must make a new application in writing. Should a vacancy arise following this, the admissions criteria above will be applied to select pupils from this waiting list.
Visit St Columb’s College Derry website for a more detailed Admissions Policy document – the https://www.stcolumbs.com