St Dominic’s Grammar School Information

🏫 St Dominic’s Grammar School, Belfast – 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.

More Info

Buy Now

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.

More Info

Buy Now

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.

More Info

Buy Now

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.

More Info

Buy Now

Voluntary Catholic Grammar School | All-Girls | Falls Road, Belfast | Ages 11–18

📚 History of St Dominic’s Grammar School, Belfast

St Dominic’s Grammar School was founded in 1870 by the Dominican Sisters to provide a Catholic education for girls in Belfast. Located on the historic Falls Road, the school was established during a time when educational opportunities for Catholic girls were limited, and it played a vital role in empowering generations of women through academic and spiritual education.

Rooted in the values of the Dominican Order – truth, justice, and compassion – St Dominic’s has grown from a small convent school to a large, highly respected girls’ grammar school, recognised for academic excellence, leadership, and community engagement.

👩‍🎓 Pupil Numbers & School Structure

• Total Pupils: ~950

• Year 8 Intake: ~140 students

• Sixth Form: ~250+ students

• Gender: Girls only

• Age Range: 11–18

• School Type: Catholic Voluntary Grammar School

• Religious Ethos: Dominican (Catholic)

🎓 Academic Reputation

St Dominic’s Grammar School is consistently ranked among the top all-girls grammar schools in Northern Ireland, celebrated for its academic success, inclusive ethos, and commitment to developing young women as leaders.

✅ Academic Highlights:

• Regularly in the Top 10 Northern Ireland grammar schools

• Outstanding results at GCSE and A-Level

• High numbers of pupils progressing to Russell Group universities, including Oxbridge, Queen’s University Belfast, Trinity College Dublin, and UK-wide institutions

📊 Exam Results (Typical Year):

• GCSEs:

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

  • ~85–90% of grades at A–A*

• A-Levels:

  • ~80–85% of grades at A–B*

  • Many leavers go on to study Medicine, Law, Science, Engineering, and Humanities

🏆 Awards & Recognition

• Sunday Times Northern Ireland Secondary School of the Year (2022)

🏫 St Dominic’s Grammar School – Contact Information

School Name: St Dominic’s Grammar School for Girls
Type: Catholic Voluntary Grammar School for Girls (Ages 11–18)
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland

📍 Address:

St Dominic’s Grammar School
135 Falls Road
Belfast
BT12 6AE
Northern Ireland
United Kingdom

☎️ Telephone:

+44 (0)28 9032 0081

📧 Email:

info@stdominics.org.uk

🌐 Website:

https://www.stdoms.academy

📱 Social Media:

• Twitter/X: @St_Dominics

• Instagram: @stdominicsgrammar

• Facebook: St Dominic’s Grammar School

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

SEAG Score Needed to get into St Dominic’s Grammar School

Below is historical scores for St Dominic’s Grammar School from 2023 to 2014.

2023 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 229
2022 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 224
2021 N/A
2020 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 229
2019 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 229
2018 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 229
2017 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 229
2016 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 229
2015 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 231
2014 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 224
As you can see from the above stats and 229 in PPTC/GL in most years will have got you into St Dominic’s Grammar School. The highest score needed was 231 in 2015.
A 231 score in old PPTC/GL test is equivalent to 203 in new SEAG test so based on past intake a minimum score of 200+ in SEAG test would give your child a very high chance of getting accepted into St Dominic’s Grammar 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 St Dominic’s Grammar School

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

• St Dominic’s Grammar School 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 Dominic’s 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 St Dominic’s 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.

✏️ Year 8 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply 

✅ Entry via SEAG Transfer Test

St Dominic’s Grammar School uses the SEAG (Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group) Transfer Test as its academic selection method for Year 8 admissions.

🧪 SEAG Transfer Test Format

• Pupils sit two tests in November:

  1. English (Literacy) Paper – comprehension, vocabulary, grammar

  2. Maths (Numeracy) Paper – arithmetic, reasoning, word problems

• Each test is ~1 hour

• Question types: Multiple choice + written answers

• Results are age-standardised and combined to give the final score

📌 Register via: www.seagni.co.uk

📋 Admissions Criteria (Subject to Annual Review)

When oversubscribed, the school applies the following order of priority:

1. Girls with a valid SEAG score who meet the qualifying standard

2. Baptised Catholic girls (with supporting documentation)

3. Siblings of current or former students

4. Girls attending Catholic primary feeder schools

5. Children of staff or past pupils

6. Geographical proximity to school (based on postcode or distance)

✅ Special Circumstances (e.g. illness, SEN, bereavement) may be taken into account with suitable evidence

📅 Key Dates 

💷 Fees

• St Dominic’s Grammar School is a state-funded Catholic school – no tuition fees

• Optional costs:

  • Uniform

  • School trips

  • Music/instrumental lessons

  • Educational resources or enrichment programmes

SEAG Exam Paper Information for ‘St Dominic’s 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. St Dominic’s Grammar School is a SEAG School. St Dominic’s Grammar 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 St Dominic’s 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:
St Dominic’s Grammar School will give preference to those pupils for whom an outcome relating to the SEAG Entrance Assessment method has been assigned by GL/SEAG or assigned by the Board of Governors pursuant to the special circumstances/special provisions procedures. In accordance with the 1997 Education (Northern Ireland) Order Section 16 (4) All girls resident in Northern Ireland at the time of their proposed admission to the school will be selected for admissions before any girl not so resident. To determine which pupils will be accepted into Year 8, the following criteria will be applied in the order set down:
1) Applicants awarded a band one in the SEAG Entrance Assessment and those applicants regarding whom parental claims for consideration of special circumstances and/or special provisions have been accepted and who, in the opinion of the Admissions Sub-Committee, based on the documented evidence submitted, are of comparable ability to those pupils awarded band one and then band two down to band six.
2) If there are more applicants who satisfy any one of the criteria 1-6 when they are being applied in the order of priority set down above than there are places available, then applicants within that criterion shall be selected to fill the remaining places by applying the following Sub Criteria in the order of priority set down below:
3) Applicants of whom a sibling (sister or half-sister or stepsister or legally adopted/foster sister or half-sister) is currently or formerly was a pupil enrolled in the school. State the name of the pupil, year group and years attended (in the case of a former pupil). Provide maiden name if appropriate.
4) Applicants of whom a sibling as defined in (a) above qualified for admission under Criteria 1-6 for entry into St Dominic’s (e.g., a twin) in the current admissions year.
5) Applicants who are the eldest girl of the family (“of the family” will be defined in accordance with Department of Education guidance) eligible to transfer to mainstream secondary school. This criterion covers ‘only’ children. Twins or other multiples will be treated as joint eldest. (Please provide verifying letter in relation to (a), (b) and (c) written on headed notepaper signed by one of the following: (i) School Principal (ii) Family Doctor (iii) Parish Priest. If a girl has an older sister who did not gain entry to St. Dominic’s in previous years due to not sitting an Entrance Assessment for transfer to post primary education or who applied to St Dominic’s but did not achieve a grade which enabled her to gain entry, she should be considered with all first/oldest girls (evidence must be provided).
6) Applicants who are a Child Looked After (as defined in accordance with the Department of Education Guidance).
7) Applicants who are entitled to Free Schools Meals*
8) If there are more applicants who satisfy any one of the Sub Criteria (a)-(e) when they are being applied in the order of priority as set down above than there are places available, applicants within that sub-criterion will be selected by rank order of the total standardised age score (TSAS) attained in the SEAG Entrance Assessment tests, or allocated Band and TSAS due to Special Circumstances/Provisions. the highest scoring applicant being ranked first, the next highest candidate being ranked second etc. In the event of two or more candidates having the same total standardised age score (TSAS) or allocated Band and TSAS due to Special Circumstances/Provisions and qualifying for the last place(s) the award of place(s) shall be granted to the applicants who ordinarily reside within the shortest radial distance as the crow flies from the school as measured from the school entrance gate on the Falls Road, Belfast to the applicant’s home using the following website – www.freemaptools.com
Visit St Dominic’s Grammar School website for a more detailed Admissions Policy document – the https://www.stdominics.org.uk