🏫 St Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon – SEAG Practice Papers with Video Explanations
Catholic Voluntary Grammar School | Co-educational | Dungannon, County Tyrone | Ages 11–18
📚 History of St Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon
St Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon was founded in 1891 by the Catholic clergy of the Diocese of Armagh to provide a high-quality Catholic education in the Dungannon area. Originally two separate schools for boys and girls, the current co-educational grammar school was formed in 2003, combining both academies under one name.
The school moved into a new, state-of-the-art building in 2018, which features cutting-edge facilities for science, technology, sport, and the arts. St Patrick’s Academy has become one of the largest and most successful Catholic grammar schools in Northern Ireland.
👨🎓 Pupil Numbers & School Structure
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Total Pupils: ~1,800
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Year 8 Intake: ~180 students
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Sixth Form: ~500 students
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Gender: Co-educational
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Age Range: 11–18
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School Type: Catholic Voluntary Grammar School
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Religious Ethos: Catholic (Diocese of Armagh)
🎓 Academic Reputation
St Patrick’s Academy is highly regarded for its academic excellence, extensive extra-curricular provision, and commitment to pastoral care and Catholic values. It consistently ranks among the top-performing grammar schools in Northern Ireland.
✅ Academic Strengths:
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Exceptional results in STEM, Humanities, Languages, and Performing Arts
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High number of pupils progressing to Russell Group universities, including Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Teaching
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Dedicated support for Oxbridge and university admissions
📊 Academic Performance:
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GCSEs:
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~99% of pupils achieve 7+ GCSEs at grades A–C*
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~85–90% of grades at A–A*
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A-Levels:
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~85–90% of grades at A–B*
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Large number of leavers attend Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, and UK/ROI universities
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🏆 Awards & Recognition
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Regularly featured in Top 10 Grammar Schools in Northern Ireland
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Achievements in:
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BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition
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Young Enterprise NI
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Gael-Linn Irish language competitions
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UK Maths Challenge & Science Olympiads
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Ulster Schools GAA (football, camogie, hurling)
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Commended for:
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Outstanding pastoral care
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Modern learning environments
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Catholic identity and spiritual life
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SEAG Score Needed to get into St Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon
Below is historical scores for St Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon from 2022 to 2014.
2022 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 222
2021 N/A
2020 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 225
2019 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 225
2018 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 225
2017 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 230
2016 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 229
2015 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 224
2014 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 213
As you can see from the above stats and 225 in PPTC/GL in most years will have got you into St Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon. The highest score needed was 230 in 2017.
A 230 score in old PPTC/GL test is equivalent to 199 in new SEAG test so based on past intake a minimum score of 199+ in SEAG test would give your child a very high chance of getting accepted into St Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon.
SEAG Comparison with historical AQE and PPTC outcomes:
Approx PPTC / GL Equivalent SAS | SEAG TSAS | Approx AQE Equivalent SAS | SEAG Band | SEAG Cohort Percentile |
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282 | 282 | 130 | 1 | 100 |
258 | 236 | 1 | 90 | |
249 | 224 | 113 | 1 | 80 |
242 | 215 | 109 | 1 | 70 |
236 | 207 | 106 | 1 | 60* |
231 | 200 | 103 | 2 | 50* |
226 | 193 | 99 | 3 | 40* |
220 | 185 | 94 | 4 | 30* |
214 | 175 | 88 | 5 | 20* |
200 | <175 | 6 | <20 |
*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.
Minimum PPTC /GL SAS needed for Grade | PPTC/ GL Grade | Approx Equivalent SEAG TSAS |
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234 | A | 206 |
229 | B1 | 197 |
224 | B2 | 190 |
219 | C1 | 183 |
213 | C2 | 174 |
<213 | D | <174 |
📘 How to Use ExamTutor SEAG Transfer Test Practice Papers (with Video Explanations) to Achieve High Scores for St Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon
Preparing for the SEAG Transfer Test effectively is crucial to securing a place at highly competitive grammar schools like St Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon. 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:
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Authentic SEAG-style questions in Maths and English
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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
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Begin preparation at least 6–9 months before the SEAG test (ideally by January or February of Primary 6)
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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
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Attempt a paper without a time limit
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Use the ExamTutor printable PDF
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Do not use help or calculators
📌 Tip: Start with a “practice” paper to assess your current level in:
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English (comprehension, grammar, punctuation)
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Maths (mental arithmetic, problem-solving, word problems)
Step 3: Review Your Answers Using Video Explanations
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After each paper, watch the video solutions provided by ExamTutor for every question you got wrong — and those you got right by guessing
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Pay attention to:
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Why an answer is correct
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How to avoid common traps
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Time-saving strategies
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Take notes in a dedicated SEAG notebook
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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
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Track the types of questions you consistently get wrong:
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In English: Inference, vocabulary, punctuation, grammar
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In Maths: Fractions, word problems, percentages, multi-step logic
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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
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Rotate papers every few weeks — don’t repeat the same one too soon
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Revisit older papers to ensure retention
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Use the “mark and reflect” method:
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Mark answers
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Watch relevant videos
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Reflect on what you’ve learned and write a short summary
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Step 7: Mock Exam Month (October)
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In the month before the SEAG test:
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Do 2 full practice papers per week
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Use ExamTutor’s practice test papers under realistic timed conditions
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Review your mistakes using the videos within 24 hours
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✅ How This Helps with St Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon Admission
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St Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon ranks applicants by SEAG score, giving priority to high scorers
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By using ExamTutor:
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You build familiarity with SEAG-style questions
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You strengthen core exam techniques
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You develop accuracy under time pressure
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You avoid repeat mistakes
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📦 Suggested ExamTutor SEAG Resources
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📘 SEAG Practice Papers Pack 1,2 & 3 with Video Explanations
👉 Available at: www.examtutor.co.uk through subscription packages
💡 Bonus Tips for Parents
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Avoid low quality repetitive practice tests, will only create a negative attitude
- Build a calm and positive home environment for study
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Focus on progress, not perfection
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Celebrate small wins to keep motivation high
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Use breaks and rewards to avoid burnout
📍 Final Thoughts
Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for St Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon 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 Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon 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.
📋 Admissions Criteria (Subject to Annual Review)
If the number of applications exceeds places (~180), places are allocated using the following criteria:
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Applicants with qualifying SEAG scores
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Baptised Catholic children
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Children with siblings at the school (current or past)
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Children from Catholic primary feeder schools
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Children of staff or past pupils
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Proximity to the school (tie-breaker by address)
✅ Special Circumstances (e.g. illness, SEN, bereavement) and Special Provisions (e.g. relocation or EAL pupils) may be taken into account with documentation.
📍 Contact Information
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🌐 Website: www.stpatricksacademy.org.uk
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☎️ Phone: 028 8772 2553
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🏫 Address: Killymeal Road, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, BT71 6DS, Northern Ireland
SEAG Exam Information for ‘St Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon’.
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 Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon is a SEAG School. St Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon 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 Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon
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 Patrick’s Academy will consider for admission only those pupils who have taken the required SEAG Entrance Assessment or who have been allocated a score as a result of an application for Special Provision. Information on the assessment process is available on the school website: www.stpatricksacademy.org.uk
1) Available places will be allocated to pupils in the strict order of their SEAG Entrance Assessment standardised score, in rank order, highest score to lowest, until all places have been filled up to the school admission number of 189 places.
2) In the event of two of more applicants achieving the same standardised score in the SEAG Entrance Assessment, rank ordering will be carried out in accordance with the Criteria 2.5 a-b.
3) In the event that places remain after those who have taken the SEAG Entrance Assessment have been admitted, then remaining places will be allocated using the Admissions Criteria below, in the order set down, until the final place has been allocated.
4) A pupil who has a sibling (another child of the family; to include half brothers and sisters, adopted and fostered children and orphaned cousins being brought up by the family) enrolled in the school at the time of application or a pupil who is the only child or eldest child in the family* eligible to transfer to a mainstream post primary school**in Northern Ireland or a pupil who is the sibling of a pupil who previously attended St Patrick’s Academy.
5) If necessary, where over-subscription still exists, final selection will be on the basis of random selection.
Visit St Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon website for a more detailed Admissions Policy document – the https://stpatricksacademy.org.uk