About St Malachy's College Belfast
St Malachy's College Belfast is a Roman Catholic voluntary grammar school for boys in north Belfast. Founded in 1833, it is the oldest Catholic diocesan college in Ulster and admits approximately 140 boys into Year 8 via the SEAG Entrance Assessment.
St Malachy's College Belfast provides an outstanding academic education in Northern Ireland, with strong results and a wide range of extracurricular activities. GCSE 9–7: 75%.
About the SEAG Transfer Test at St Malachy's College Belfast
St Malachy's College Belfast is a boys voluntary grammar school in Belfast, Northern Ireland, with a roman catholic ethos. Entry to Year 8 (Form 1) is academically selective via the SEAG Entrance Assessment — administered by the Schools' Entrance Assessment Group (SEAG) on behalf of voluntary, controlled and Catholic-maintained grammar schools across Northern Ireland. St Malachy's College Belfast admits 170 Year 8 pupils per year — the Department of Education approved Admissions Number in its official criteria.
The SEAG Transfer Test consists of two papers, each 60 minutes long, taken in November of Primary 7 (P7) and spaced one week apart. Each paper covers English (punctuation, grammar, spelling and comprehension) and Mathematics (the Key Stage 2 curriculum), in a mix of multiple-choice and free-response questions. The combined result is the Total Standardised Age Score (TSAS) — a numerical score normalised against the cohort age distribution, which St Malachy's College Belfast uses to rank applicants for admission.
For the current cycle (September 2027 entry), registration at seagni.co.uk closes at 11:59pm on Friday 18 September 2026 (£20 fee; families with Free School Meals Entitlement are exempt). Paper 1 is Saturday 14 November 2026 and Paper 2 is Saturday 21 November 2026, with results released on Saturday 23 January 2027. The Education Authority NI Transfer Portal window is TBC — last cycle it opened 27 January and closed at 12 noon on 19 February — with Offers Day expected in late April 2027.
ℹ️ Which criteria apply to your child: pupils sitting the November 2026 test are applying for September 2027 entry. Schools publish criteria for each entry year the preceding December, so the criteria on this page reflect the most recent official document. The mechanism changes rarely; this page will be updated when the September 2027 document is published.
This page is updated each year with the latest verified admissions criteria, dates and oversubscription rules for St Malachy's College Belfast. For the most up-to-date guidance, refer to the school's official admissions page (linked in the Quick Facts panel below) and the SEAG website at seagni.co.uk.
Year 8 Transfer Test Guide for St Malachy's College Belfast
St Malachy's College Belfast Admissions Criteria
St Malachy's College Belfast is a Roman Catholic voluntary grammar school for boys in north Belfast. Founded in 1833, it is the oldest Catholic diocesan college in Ulster and admits approximately 140 boys into Year 8 via the SEAG Entrance Assessment.
- ✓Register for the SEAG Transfer Test at seagni.co.uk — registration opened 18 May 2026 and closes at 11:59pm on Friday 18 September 2026. The fee is £20 (families with Free School Meals Entitlement are exempt).
- ✓Sit the SEAG Entrance Assessment in November of Primary 7 (P7) — two papers, one week apart (Saturdays 14 and 21 November 2026), each 60 minutes and each covering English and Mathematics.
- ✓Both papers must be sat to receive a full Total Standardised Age Score (TSAS). Pupils sitting only one paper receive an estimated score (shown as ‘e’ on results) and are considered under Special Provisions only, with supporting evidence.
- ✓Upload your Statement of Outcomes (available from the SEAG portal from Saturday 23 January 2027) with the online Transfer Application to St Malachy's College.
- ✓Special Circumstances / Special Provisions: a two-stage process reviewed by the Admissions Committee, with medical or professional documentation plus P5/P6 standardised-test evidence.
- ✓Eligibility — applicants who sat the SEAG Entrance Assessment (with or without a Special Circumstances claim) and applicants with a valid Special Provisions claim are considered on equal terms.
- ✓Band-based allocation — Criteria A to F allocate places by SEAG Band — Band 1 first, through Band 6, then other applicants (Criterion G). Where the admission number is reached within a band, sub-criteria (a)–(g) are applied within that band, in order.
- ✓Within-band sub-criteria, in order: (a) — siblings of present or past pupils; (b) — eldest boy or only child of the family; (c) — Child Looked After; (d) — entitlement to Free School Meals (FSME); (e) — attendance at one of the College's named contributory primary schools; (f) — randomised surname-letter order, drawn and witnessed by three members of the Admissions Committee; (g) — age, oldest first.
- ✓Preference order is NOT used — a child listing St Malachy's College second or later on the Transfer Application is considered equally with first-preference applicants.
- ✓Contributions — Voluntary contribution currently £100 per annum.
- ✓Special Provisions assessments are marked by GL and converted to a Band grade.
- ✓Duty to verify — the school can require evidence for information on the application; false or missing information can cost the place. Full Admissions Criteria: www.stmalachyscollege.com.
St Malachy's College Belfast Oversubscription Criteria
Criteria A to F allocate places by SEAG Band — Band 1 first, through Band 6, then other applicants (Criterion G). Where the admission number is reached within a band, sub-criteria (a)–(g) are applied within that band, in order. The sub-criteria below apply within the band where the 170-place admission number is reached — transcribed from the official published criteria.
- (a) — siblings of present or past pupils
- (b) — eldest boy or only child of the family
- (c) — Child Looked After
- (d) — entitlement to Free School Meals (FSME)
- (e) — attendance at one of the College's named contributory primary schools
- (f) — randomised surname-letter order, drawn and witnessed by three members of the Admissions Committee
- (g) — age, oldest first
What Score Do You Need for St Malachy's College?
The school does not publish a fixed qualifying score — here is what the official documents and allocation statements actually show:
| 2023/24 — admission number 170 | 227 applications, 180 admitted |
| 2024/25 — admission number 170 | 213 applications, 176 admitted |
| 2025/26 — admission number 170 | 180 applications, 177 admitted |
Key Dates & Deadlines — November 2026 Test (September 2027 Entry)
| 📌 SEAG Registration opens | Monday 18 May 2026 at seagni.co.uk |
| 📌 SEAG Registration closes | 11:59pm, Friday 18 September 2026 (£20 fee; FSME exempt) |
| 📌 Pupil Cards available | Friday 9 October 2026 |
| 📌 Assessment Paper 1 | Saturday 14 November 2026 |
| 📌 Assessment Paper 2 | Saturday 21 November 2026 |
| 📌 SEAG Results released | Saturday 23 January 2027 — download from your SEAG portal account |
| 📌 Re-mark request window | 25 January – 3 February 2027 |
| 📌 EA Portal opens / closes | TBC — EA to confirm (last cycle: 27 Jan / 12 noon 19 Feb) |
| 📌 Offers issued (Offers Day) | TBC — expected late April 2027 (last cycle: 24 April) |
How to Apply to St Malachy's College Belfast via SEAG & EA NI
Step 1 — Register your child for SEAG
Register online at seagni.co.uk before 11:59pm on Friday 18 September 2026. The fee is £20 (FSME families exempt — upload EA evidence). A completed Pupil Application is required; an account alone does not register your child.
Step 2 — Sit the SEAG Entrance Assessment
Your child sits two SEAG papers — Saturdays 14 and 21 November 2026 — each 60 minutes, each covering English and Mathematics. Both must be sat for a full TSAS; a single-paper ‘e’ score goes through Special Provisions only.
Step 3 — Download your SEAG Statement of Outcomes
SEAG releases the Total Standardised Age Score (TSAS) on Saturday 23 January 2027. Download it from your SEAG portal account.
Step 4 — Open the EA NI Transfer Portal
The Education Authority NI confirms the 2027 window in due course (last cycle: opened 27 January, closed 12 noon 19 February) — you apply through this portal, NOT directly to the school.
Step 5 — List St Malachy's College as a preference
Enter your child's SEAG TSAS and Unique Pupil Number and upload the Statement of Outcomes plus any tie-break evidence (sibling details, primary school). St Malachy's College does not use preference order — any position on the form is considered equally.
Step 6 — Submit by the EA Portal deadline
Submit before the EA's published deadline (TBC; last cycle 12 noon, 19 February). Late applications are considered at the EA's discretion in exceptional circumstances only.
Step 7 — Receive your offer on Offers Day
Offers are issued via the EA Portal, expected late April 2027. If unsuccessful you can appeal or join the waiting list through the EA.
SEAG Subjects Tested at St Malachy's College Belfast
The SEAG Entrance Assessment for St Malachy's College Belfast tests two subjects across two papers, sat about a week apart in November of Primary 7 (P7). Each paper lasts roughly 60 minutes and uses a mix of multiple-choice and free-response questions with no negative marking.
- English — reading comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar. Wide reading is the single biggest advantage here, building the vocabulary and inference skills the paper rewards.
- Mathematics — the full Key Stage 2 curriculum: number, fractions, decimals, percentages, measures, shape, data handling and multi-step problem solving, with an emphasis on speed and accuracy.
Both papers are combined into a single Total Standardised Age Score (TSAS), which St Malachy's College Belfast uses to rank applicants for its Year 8 places. There is no separate verbal or non-verbal reasoning paper in the SEAG test.
SEAG Practice Papers for St Malachy's College Belfast
St Malachy's College Belfast uses the SEAG format. Our practice papers closely mirror the actual test structure — with full video explanations for every question.
- 12 × English & Mathematics tests
- 672 video explanations
- 30.5 hours of video content
- 4 English & Maths practice tests
- 224 video explanations
- 12 hrs video content
- 4 English & Maths practice tests
- 224 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
- 4 English & Maths practice tests
- 224 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the St Malachy's College Belfast SEAG Transfer Test
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
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📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.
Academic Performance at St Malachy's College Belfast (GCSE & A-Level Results)
St Malachy's College has impressive records in both GCSE and A-Level examinations and a long-standing reputation for academic excellence. It is the oldest Catholic diocesan college in Ulster, with a broad curriculum spanning STEM, humanities, languages and religious studies, and high progression rates to universities including Queen's University Belfast.
- GCSE & A-Level: consistently strong results across a wide range of subjects.
- Music: a renowned music department — the college was designated the first specialist music college in Northern Ireland.
- Sport: notable successes, particularly in athletics and basketball.
Exam results vary year to year, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school website.
Catchment Area for St Malachy's College Belfast
St Malachy's College is a Catholic diocesan grammar school for boys of around 1,000–1,200 pupils at 36 Antrim Road in North Belfast (BT15 2AE). Founded in 1833 by Bishop William Crolly and opened on the feast of St Malachy with eight boarders and ten day pupils, it has occupied the same site ever since — making it the oldest Catholic diocesan college in Ulster.
As the only male Catholic grammar school in North Belfast, it has a very wide catchment, drawing pupils from areas such as Ardoyne and New Lodge as well as towns across County Antrim including Carrickfergus, Antrim and Randalstown. Demand is high, with sometimes nearly two applications per place; the Board of Governors ranks applicants on the SEAG Total Standardised Age Score (TSAS). Always confirm the current criteria in the school's admissions booklet.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
St Malachy's, as a diocesan college, aims to create a Catholic ethos in which students flourish and develop all their talents, directed to the growth of the whole person. Its motto, "Gloria ab Intus" (Glory from within), reflects a conviction that education is about helping young people mature as individuals, not merely imparting information. Pupils' badges bear the coat of arms of the Diocese of Down and Connor, and alumni are known as 'Malachians'.
Alongside a strong careers programme and close links with parishes and feeder primary schools, the college offers a wide co-curricular life — an acclaimed music tradition plus sport including athletics, basketball, rugby and Gaelic games.
St Malachy's College Belfast — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to St Malachy's College for Year 8?
Applications to St Malachy's College are made through the Education Authority NI Transfer Portal — NOT directly to the school. For September 2027 entry the EA window is TBC (last cycle it opened 27 January and closed at 12 noon on 19 February). You will need your child's SEAG Total Standardised Age Score (TSAS) and SEAG Unique Pupil Number, and to upload the Statement of Outcomes. List St Malachy's College among your preferences — the school does not use preference order, so any position is considered equally.
Does St Malachy's College use the SEAG Transfer Test?
Yes — St Malachy's College uses the SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group) Entrance Assessment for admission to Year 8. Pupils sit two SEAG papers in November of Primary 7 (P7), each lasting 60 minutes and each covering English and Mathematics in a mix of multiple-choice and free-response questions. The combined result is the Total Standardised Age Score (TSAS).
What SEAG score do I need for St Malachy's College?
St Malachy's College allocates places by SEAG Band rather than a numeric threshold — Band 1 applicants are considered first, then Band 2, and so on. Band-first schools publish the lowest band reached, never a fixed score.
How many Year 8 places does St Malachy's College have?
St Malachy's College admits 170 pupils into Year 8 each year — the Department of Education approved Admissions Number in its official criteria document. Recent cycles: 2023/24: 227 applications, 180 admitted; 2024/25: 213 applications, 176 admitted; 2025/26: 180 applications, 177 admitted.
When are SEAG results released?
SEAG results (the Statement of Outcomes) for the November 2026 assessment are released on Saturday 23 January 2027. Parents/guardians can download the Statement of Outcomes from their SEAG portal account at seagni.co.uk and must upload it with their Transfer Application.
When is Offers Day for St Malachy's College?
Offers Day for September 2027 entry is TBC — expected late April 2027 (last cycle it was Friday 24 April). Offers are issued through the Education Authority NI Transfer Portal. If unsuccessful you can join the waiting list or lodge an appeal through the EA NI.
What type of school is St Malachy's College?
St Malachy's College Belfast is a boys voluntary grammar school with a roman catholic ethos, located in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It admits 170 pupils into Year 8 each September. Voluntary contribution currently £100 per annum.
How can my child prepare for the SEAG Test for St Malachy's College?
ExamTutor offers a complete SEAG preparation programme including tutor-led practice papers, full video explanations for every question (covering all SEAG topic areas), and downloadable resources mapped to the GL Assessment SEAG specification. We recommend starting preparation 6-12 months before the November SEAG test to allow time for diagnostic, focused practice and confidence building.
Where can I find St Malachy's College's official admissions policy?
The full Admissions Criteria document for St Malachy's College is published on the school's official website at https://www.stmalachyscollege.com and via the Education Authority NI. Criteria for each entry year are published the preceding December — the September 2027 entry document is due around December 2026. Always check for the most up-to-date criteria, Open Day dates and required documents.
Sources: the school's official "Admissions Criteria" document (published via the Education Authority NI); seagni.co.uk. Transcribed and verified 13 August 2026.