St Joseph’s Grammar School Donaghmore

🏫 St Joseph’s Grammar School, Donaghmore – 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 | Co-educational | Donaghmore, County Tyrone | Ages 11–18

📚 History of St Joseph’s Grammar School, Donaghmore

St Joseph’s Grammar School was established in 1920 by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary, a religious order committed to education, social justice, and the empowerment of young people. Originally a girls’ school, it became co-educational in 2003, and has since grown into one of the most successful grammar schools in Northern Ireland.

Located in the village of Donaghmore, near Dungannon, County Tyrone, the school combines Catholic values with a strong tradition of academic excellence, pastoral care, and cultural enrichment, including a dedicated Irish-medium stream (Sruth Na Gaeilge).

👨‍🎓 Pupil Numbers & Structure

• Total Pupils: ~800

• Year 8 Intake: ~110–120 students

• Sixth Form: ~200+ students

• Gender: Co-educational

• Age Range: 11–18

• School Type: Voluntary Catholic Grammar School

• Language Options: Irish-medium education available (Gaelcholáiste)

🎓 Academic Reputation

St Joseph’s Grammar is renowned for its academic success, caring school community, and supportive faith-based ethos. The school consistently performs well in national league tables and supports pupils toward successful university pathways.

✅ Academic Strengths:

• High achievement in STEM, Modern Languages, Business Studies, and Humanities

• Extensive support for Oxbridge, Medicine, and STEM careers

• Strong reputation for bilingual education through the Irish-medium stream

📊 Academic Results (Typical Year):

• GCSEs:

  • ~99–100% of students achieve 7+ GCSEs at Grades A–C*

  • ~85–90% of grades are A–A*

• A-Levels:

  • ~80–85% of grades at A–B*

  • Students regularly progress to Russell Group and Irish universities

🏆 Awards & Recognition

• Top 10 grammar schools in Northern Ireland (based on results)

🏫 St Joseph’s Grammar School, Donaghmore – Contact Information

School Name: St Joseph’s Grammar School
Type: Catholic Co-educational Voluntary Grammar School (Ages 11–18)
Location: Donaghmore, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland

📍 Address:

St Joseph’s Grammar School
58 Castlecaulfield Road
Donaghmore
Dungannon
County Tyrone
BT70 3HE
Northern Ireland
United Kingdom

☎️ Telephone:

+44 (0)28 8776 2720

📧 Email:

info@stjosephsdonaghmore.com

🌐 Website:

https://www.stjosephsdonaghmore.com

📱 Social Media:

• Facebook: St Joseph’s Grammar School, Donaghmore

• Twitter/X: @StJosephsDonagh

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

SEAG Score Needed to get into St Joseph’s Grammar School Donaghmore

Below is historical scores for St Joseph’s Grammar School Donaghmore from 2022 to 2014.

2022 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 229
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 – 234
2015 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 234
2014 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 229
As you can see from the above stats and 229 in PPTC/GL in most years will have got you into St Joseph’s Grammar School Donaghmore. The highest score needed was 234 in years 2024 & 2015.
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 high chance of getting accepted into St Joseph’s Grammar School Donaghmore.

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 Joseph’s Grammar School, Donaghmore

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

• St Joseph’s Grammar School, Donaghmore 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 Joseph’s Grammar School, Donaghmore 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 Joseph’s Grammar School, Donaghmore 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 Joseph’s Grammar School, Donaghmore is a member of the SEAG (Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group) and admits boys into Year 8 based on SEAG Transfer Test performance.

🧪 SEAG Transfer Test Format

• Two exam papers (English & Maths) taken in November of P7

• Includes comprehension, grammar, punctuation and numerical reasoning, problem-solving

• Administered and scored by GL Assessment

• Scores are standardised and ranked for school admissions

📌 Registration via: www.seagni.co.uk

📋 Admissions Criteria (Subject to Annual Review)

When oversubscribed, places are typically allocated in the following order:

1. Pupils with SEAG results above qualifying threshold

2. Baptised Catholic pupils

3. Siblings of current or former pupils

4. Pupils attending Catholic feeder primary schools

5. Pupils applying to the Irish-medium stream (Gaelcholáiste)

6. Children of staff or past pupils

7. Distance from school

✅ Special Circumstances and Provisions may be taken into account (e.g. illness, SEN, recent bereavement)

📅 Key Dates – SEAG Transfer & Admissions Timeline

💷 Fees

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

• Additional costs may apply for:

  • School uniform

  • Trips and residentials

  • Instrumental music tuition (optional)

  • Enrichment programmes

SEAG Exam Information for ‘St Joseph’s Grammar School Donaghmore’.

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 Joseph’s Grammar School Donaghmore is a SEAG School. St Joseph’s Grammar School Donaghmore 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 Joseph’s Grammar School Donaghmore

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 Joseph’s Grammar School is a Co-Educational Catholic Voluntary Grammar School with a Catholic ethos under the Trusteeship of St Patrick’s Educational Trust, Archdiocese of Armagh. The school provides a faith-based education centred on gospel values of love, respect, justice, compassion and hope. We warmly welcome learners from the Catholic tradition, other Christian traditions and non-Christian traditions as well as those who do not identify as having any religious faith.
For admissions, the school will assign places to all applicants to Year 8 on a quota basis as follows: Main school 70 places Irish Medium Stream 50 places.
• Where the school has fewer applicants than places available in either sector it will admit up to the admissions number with applicants from the other sector.
• Where the school has a greater number of applicants than places available in either sector, it will apply the relevant admissions criteria to decide which applicants to admit up to the quota stated.
ADMISSION CRITERIA
1. Available places will be allocated to pupils who have obtained Band 1, Band 2, Band 3, Band 4, Band 5, Band 6 in the SEAG Entrance Assessment, strictly in that order and those pupils regarding whom parental claims for consideration of Special Circumstances and/or Special Provisions have been accepted and who, in the opinion of the Board of Governors, based on the documented evidence submitted as required, are of comparable ability to those pupils awarded Band 1, Band 2, Band 3, Band 4, Band 5, Band 6 in the SEAG Entrance Assessment. If in that order of allocation there are more applicants than places at the particular grade level under consideration in the order set down, the following criteria will apply.
2. A child on whose Transfer Form St Joseph’s Grammar School is listed as their first preference post-primary school.
3. Applicants who have a sibling/half sibling* enrolled at the school at the time of application. The sibling(s) should be named on the online Application Form Or Pupils who are the eldest child of the family eligible to apply for admission to a mainstream school.
4. If following application of the above criteria the number of applicants still exceeds the number of places available, applicants will be ranked in descending age order ie: the eldest first as noted on the applicant’s original copy Birth Certificate, a copy of which should be attached to the online Transfer Form. If after application of each particular criteria there are still places to be filled, then the next criterion will be applied to select applicants for places, in the order set down through to criterion number 4.
* to include half brothers and sisters, adopted and fostered children and orphaned cousins being brought up by the family.
Visit St Joseph’s Grammar School Donaghmore website for a more detailed Admissions Policy document – the https://www.stjosephsdonaghmore.com