St Mary’s Grammar School Magherafelt Information

🏫 St Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt – SEAG Practice Papers with Video Explanations

SEAG Practice Test Pack 1

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• 4 High Quality Practice Tests.
• 4 x English & Maths Papers
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• 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 | Magherafelt, County Londonderry | Ages 11–18

📚 History of St Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt

St Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt, was founded in 1927 by the Sisters of the Holy Family of Bordeaux. It began as a small girls’ school but became co-educational in 1978, growing rapidly in both size and reputation. The school continues to uphold its Catholic ethos, while offering a progressive and inclusive education.

Situated in the heart of Mid Ulster, St Mary’s is widely regarded as one of the top-performing grammar schools in Northern Ireland, combining academic excellence with a strong tradition of pastoral care, faith development, and community service.

👨‍🎓 Pupil Numbers & School Structure

• Total Pupils: ~1,300

• Year 8 Intake: ~170 students

• Sixth Form: ~350+ students

• Gender: Co-educational

• Age Range: 11–18

• School Type: Catholic Voluntary Grammar School

• Religious Ethos: Catholic (Diocese of Derry)

• Language Medium: English

🎓 Academic Reputation

St Mary’s Magherafelt is consistently ranked as one of Northern Ireland’s top academic schools, with an excellent track record in GCSE and A-Level outcomes, progression to university, and national competitions.

✅ Key Strengths:

• High performance in STEM, Modern Languages, Business, and Humanities

• Strong university pathways in Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Arts

• Renowned for academic stretch, leadership development, and Catholic values

📊 Academic Performance:

• GCSEs:

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

  • ~85%+ of grades at A–A*

• A-Levels:

  • ~80–85% of grades at A–B*

  • High number of students proceed to Russell Group and Irish universities, including Queen’s Belfast, Trinity College Dublin, and Oxford/Cambridge

🏆 Awards & Recognition

• Regularly ranked in the Top 5 NI grammar schools

• Sunday Times NI Secondary School of the Year 2020

🏫 St Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt – Contact Information

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

📍 Address:

St Mary’s Grammar School
36 Knockadoo Road
Magherafelt
County Londonderry
BT45 8QF
Northern Ireland
United Kingdom

☎️ Telephone:

+44 (0)28 7963 2385

📧 Email:

info@stmarysmagherafelt.ni.sch.uk

🌐 Website:

https://www.stmarysmagherafelt.com

📱 Social Media:

• Facebook: St Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt

• Twitter/X: @stmarysmag

• Instagram: @stmarysmagherafelt

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

SEAG Score Needed to get into St Mary’s Grammar School Magherafelt

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

2023 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 224
2022 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 226
2021 N/A
2020 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 224
2019 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 224
2018 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 229
2017 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 219
2016 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 224
2015 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 228
2014 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 224
As you can see from the above stats and 226 in PPTC/GL in most years will have got you into St Mary’s Grammar School Magherafelt. The highest score needed was 229 in 2018.
A 229 score in old PPTC/GL test is equivalent to 197 in new SEAG test so based on past intake a minimum score of 197+ in SEAG test would give your child a very high chance of getting accepted into St Mary’s Grammar School Magherafelt.

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 Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt

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

• St Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt 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 Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt 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 Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt 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 Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt 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

📅 Key Dates – SEAG Transfer & Admissions Timeline

💷 Fees

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

• Optional charges may apply for:

  • Uniform

  • School trips

  • Instrumental music tuition

  • Enrichment activities

SEAG Exam Information for ‘St Mary’s Grammar School Magherafelt’.

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 Mary’s Grammar School Magherafelt is a SEAG School. St Mary’s Grammar School Magherafelt 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 Mary’s Grammar School Magherafelt

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:
Applicants claiming Special Circumstances or Special Provision will be considered first. The Board of Governors will assign, on the basis of the information available, an appropriate Total Standardised Age Score equivalence for these applicants. Once this process is completed, pupils will be placed in a single list based on their combined, Total Standardised Age Scores in the Entrance Assessment or otherwise awarded. Those with the highest score will be at the top of the list, which will, therefore, be in rank order of merit. On the basis of this rank order, pupils will be admitted up to the school’s admission number of 153. In the event of equal combined Total Standardised Age Scores, then the criteria set out below from (a) to (e) will be applied, in sequence, to allocate the final place(s):
1) Children who, at the date of application, have a child of the family currently enrolled at the school. Children: – (i) who at the date of their application, are the eldest of the family to be eligible to apply for admission to the school; or (ii) where a child of the family is more than 7 years younger than their next sibling (the name and date of birth of next eldest sibling must be provided if more than 7 years’ difference; or (iii) where a family has moved residence so that a child who is not the eldest child of the family is the first child of that family to have the practical opportunity to apply to the school; or (iv) where the eldest child of a family attends a non-mainstream school and the child applying is the next eldest sibling;
2) Children selected on the basis of age with the eldest candidate being selected first, established by date of birth as entered on a birth certificate (a copy of the child’s birth certificate must be uploaded with the online Transfer Application).
3) In the event of two or more children having the same date of birth, children will be selected for admission on the basis of initial letter(s) of surname (as entered on birth certificate).
4) If children are tied after application of admissions criteria (a) – (d), final selection will be made on the basis of a computer-based process. The process is carried out by means of a computer program which, for each applicant, generates a ranking number using the details from the on-line Transfer Application as the seed for a random number generator. The ranking number for any given applicant, is dependent on the applicant’s name (as written on the on-line Transfer Application). Applicants with the lowest ranking numbers will be given places up to the number of places available. In the event that places remain, after those who have taken the Entrance Assessment have been admitted, then remaining places will be allocated using the above criteria (4a-e) in sequence, until the final place has been allocated. This includes children who have not taken the Entrance Assessment required by the school.
Visit St Mary’s Grammar School Magherafelt website for a more detailed Admissions Policy document – the https://www.stmarysmagherafelt.com

SEAG Products for St Mary’s Grammar School Magherafelt

Our practice Test Papers, Online Bootcamps, Live Tutor Bootcamps and Mock exams can give your child the edge over the competition for the SEAG exam, while also boosting their confidence which is an often overlooked issue. Our SEAG Practice Test Papers will allow your child to become more familiar with the test questions and to better understand the key topics being tested. Our SEAG Boot Camps will allow your child to master the key topics and our Mock Exams will give your child valuable exam experience.