St Malachy’s College Belfast Information

🏫 St Malachy’s College, Belfast – SEAG Practice Papers with Video Explanations

SEAG Score Needed to get into St Malachy’s College

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

2023 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 229
2022 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 224
2021 N/A
2020 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 224
2019 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 229
2018 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 234
2017 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 229
2016 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 219
2015 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 229
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 Malachy’s College. The highest score needed was 234 in 2018.
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 Malachy’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 Malachy’s College Belfast

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

• 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 Malachy’s College Belfast Admission

• St Malachy’s College Belfast 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 Malachy’s College Belfast 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 Malachy’s College 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 Malachy’s College 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

If oversubscribed, places are allocated using the following criteria:

1. Boys who sit the SEAG test and achieve qualifying scores

2. Looked-after and previously looked-after children

3. Boys who are baptised Catholic (proof of baptism required)

4. Siblings of current or past students

5. Children of former pupils or staff

6. Boys attending named feeder primary schools

7. Proximity to the school (used as a tie-breaker)

🎯 Note: The school may reserve a number of places for boys eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) to promote inclusivity.

📌 Full criteria are published annually on the school website and the Education Authority portal.

📅 Admissions Timeline

SEAG Information for ‘St Malachy’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 Malachy’s College is a SEAG School. St Malachy’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.

SEAG Information for ‘St Malachy’s College Belfast’.

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. Our Rainey Endowed School is a SEAG School. St Malachy’s College Belfast 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. 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 Malachy’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:
Entrance Assessment Results St Malachy’s College will give preference to, (apart from those who qualify for either the Special Circumstances or Special Provision procedures), those applicants awarded a Band Grade by GL in completing the Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group (‘SEAG’) Entrance Assessment. St Malachy’s College will initially consider only those applicants who have taken the SEAG Entrance Assessment and who have been awarded a Band Grade or assigned a Band Grade pursuant to the application of the Special Circumstance or Special Provision procedures and will admit pupils based on the Band Grade achieved in the assessment or otherwise awarded. The Board of Governors will not use as a criterion the position of preference given to the College on the Transfer Form i.e. an applicant who has chosen St Malachy’s College in any position on the Online Transfer Form/Application or its equivalent will be considered equally with those who have put the College first.
St Malachy’s College will give preference to those pupils for whom a Band Grade relating to the SEAG Entrance Assessment method has been awarded by GL or assigned by the Board of Governors pursuant to the Special Circumstances/Special Provision procedures. Information on the SEAG Entrance Assessment is available from the College, or available to download from the College website at www.stmalachyscollege.com – All pupils resident in Northern Ireland at the time of their proposed admission to the College will be selected for admissions before any pupil not so resident. In order to determine which pupils will be accepted into Year 8, the following criteria will be applied in the order set down:
1) Pupils who have been awarded a Band 1 Grade in the SEAG Entrance Assessment and also those pupils to whom Special Circumstances or Special Provision apply and who on the documented evidence submitted, are in the opinion of the Board of Governors to be of comparable ability to pupils awarded a Band 1 Grade, and then Band 2 Grade and so on until Band 6 Grade.
2) In the event of there being more candidates in any Band Grade than places available within such Band Grade, priority will be given in descending order to those who indicate on the Online Transfer Form/Application or its equivalent that they are: applicants who are siblings of present or past pupils enrolled in St. Malachy’s College (names and dates of attendance required).
3) Applicants who, at the date of their application, are the eldest boy of the family eligible to transfer to St Malachy’s College, or are the only child of the family (“of the family” will be defined in accordance with Department of Education guidance). Twins or other multiples will be treated as joint eldest. Older brothers, who at the date of the transfer application, have left mainstream post primary education or where an older brother did not have the opportunity to attend St Malachy’s College because their family has moved residence or attends a special school, will not be treated for the purposes of this criterion as the eldest boy in the family. A Certificate of verification must be completed and submitted with the Online Transfer Form/Application or its equivalent.
4) Applicants who are a Child Looked After. A Child Looked After is defined by the Children (NI) Order 1995 as children ‘who are in the care of a Trust or who are provided with accommodation by a Trust.’ (Accommodation may be in a residential home, residential school, foster placement or in a family placement with a relative or occasionally at home).
5) A pupil who is entitled to Free School Meals at the date of application (“entitled to Free School meals” will mean applicants, who at the date on which they have signed their post-primary Online Transfer Form/Application or its equivalent, or at any date up to and including 4pm on 4th March 2024, have communicated within their application that they are listed on the Education Authority register as entitled to Free School Meals).
6) Pupils from the following contributory Primary Schools (not listed in order of preference); Antrim Primary School, Antrim BT41 4AB Ballymacricket Primary School, Glenavy, BT29 4NE Ashgrove Primary School, Newtownabbey, BT36 6LJ Botanic Primary School, Belfast, BT7 1QY Ballymacward Primary School, Lisburn, BT28 3SU Bunscoil Phobal Feirste, Belfast, BT11 9QS Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagain, Belfast, BT14 6HQ Cavehill Primary School, Belfast, BT15 5FG Christ the Redeemer Primary School, Belfast, BT17 0TG Cliftonville Integrated Primary School, Belfast , BT14 6JQ Crumlin Integrated Primary School, BT29 4XL Drumlins Integrated Primary School Ballynahinch Primary School Gaelscoil Eanna, Newtownabbey, BT36 7AU Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach, Crumlin, BT29 4LD Gaelscoil na bhFal, Belfast, BT12 6AW Greenisland Primary School, BT38 8RA Glengormley Integrated, Newtownabbey, BT36 6HJ Harding Memorial, Belfast, BT6 8PZ Hazelwood Integrated Primary School, Belfast, BT36 7EN Holy Child Primary School, Belfast, BT11 8JG Holy Cross Boys Primary School, Belfast, BT14 7EX Holy Family Primary School, Belfast, BT15 2HP Holy Evangelists’ Primary School, Belfast, BT17 ODB Holy Trinity Primary School, Belfast, BT11 8EG Holy Rosary Primary School, Belfast, BT7 3DB Ligoniel Primary School, Belfast, BT14 8BW John Paul II Primary School, Belfast, BT12 7FW Mallusk Primary School, Newtownabbey, BT36 4QE Mossgrove Primary School, Newtownabbey, BT36 5DN Our Lady Queen of Peace, Dunmurry , BT17 0RW Our Lady of Lourdes Park Lodge, Belfast, BT15 5GQ Sacred Heart Boys Primary School, Belfast, BT14 6HH Seaview Primary School, Belfast BT15 3NB St Aloysius Primary School, Lisburn BT28 2QT St Anne’s Primary School, Belfast, BT10 0NE St Bernard’s Primary School, Newtownabbey, BT36 6DW St Bride’s Primary School, Belfast, BT9 6FP St Clare’s Primary School, Belfast, BT13 2SE St Comgall’s Primary School, Antrim, BT41 4JG St James’ Primary School, Newtownabbey, BT37 0AS St Colman’s Primary School, Lisburn, BT27 4QS St Joseph’s Primary School, Antrim, BT41 1JZ St John the Baptist Primary School, Belfast, BT11 9EH St Joseph’s Primary School, Crumlin, BT29 4LA St Joseph’s Primary School, Carryduff, BT8 8EX St Joseph’s Primary School, Holland Drive, Belfast, BT5 6EH St Joseph’s Primary School, Slate Street, Belfast, BT12 4LD St Kevin’s Primary School, Belfast, BT12 6EN St Kieran’s Primary School, Dunmurry, BT17 0PB St Malachy’s Primary School, Belfast, BT7 2BJ St MacNissi’s Primary School, Newtownabbey, BT36 6UE St Mary’s on the Hill Primary School, N’abbey, BT36 6JU St Mary’s Star of the Sea Primary School, Belfast, BT15 4HL St Matthew’s Primary School, Belfast, BT5 4EN St Michael’s Primary School, Belfast, BT6 0BW St Oliver Plunkett Primary School, Belfast, BT11 9AY St Nicholas’ Primary School, Carrickfergus, BT38 8AU St Paul’s Primary School, Belfast, BT12 7NN St Patrick’s Primary School, Belfast, BT15 2BN St Peter’s Primary School, Belfast, BT12 4JF St Teresa’s Primary School, Belfast, BT11 8BL St Vincent De Paul’s Primary School, Belfast, BT14 8DP St Therese of Lisieux Primary School, Belfast, BT15 5GF Stranmillis Primary School, Belfast, BT9 5EH The Good Shepherd Primary School, Dunmurry, BT17 0PJ Whiteabbey Primary School. Newtownabbey BT37 0RU Whitehead Primary School, BT38 9NE
7) In the event of oversubscription at the last criterion, selection for all places remaining in this category will be on basis of an alphabetical order which has been determined randomly and is set out below. Selection will be on the basis of the initial letter of the surname as identified on the birth certificate using the order below. If the surname has subsequently been legally changed (evidence to be provided) by the date the applicant sat the SEAG Entrance Assessment, this new surname will be used. Please note that if an applicant’s name is legally changed after the applicant sat the SEAG Entrance Assessment, the legal name at the time the applicant sat the SEAG Entrance Assessment will be used. In the event of surnames beginning with the same initial letter, the subsequent letters of the surname Updated January 2024 www.eani.org.uk/admissions Admissions Criteria for entry September 2024 as set out in the randomised selection below, will be used to determine selection. In the event of there being two or more identical surnames the alphabetical order
Visit St Malachy’s College website for a more detailed Admissions Policy document – the https://www.stmalachyscollege.com