Strabane Academy Information

🏫 Strabane Academy – 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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Controlled Co-educational Secondary School | Strabane, County Tyrone | Ages 11–18

📚 History of Strabane Academy

Strabane Academy was formed in 2011 through the merger of two schools: Strabane Grammar School and Strabane High School. It became a Controlled, co-educational post-primary school, under the management of the Education Authority (Western Region).

The school is located in Strabane, County Tyrone, and serves pupils from both urban and rural areas in the wider Strabane and Derry/Londonderry region. In 2021, the school moved to a new purpose-built campus on the Derry Road, equipped with modern facilities, science labs, sports amenities, and ICT infrastructure.

Strabane Academy aims to provide an inclusive education that promotes academic progress, personal growth, and community values.

👨‍🎓 Pupil Numbers & School Structure

• Total Pupils: ~600

• Year 8 Intake: ~100 pupils

• Sixth Form: ~80+ pupils

• Gender: Co-educational

• Age Range: 11–18

• School Type: Controlled Secondary School (non-selective)

• Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational

• Governance: Education Authority (EA) – Western Region

🎓 Academic Reputation

While Strabane Academy is a non-selective school, it is known for providing strong support for individual student growth, both academically and pastorally. The school offers a broad curriculum, tailored to meet the needs of a diverse student body, and supports pupils through GCSE, BTEC, and A-Level pathways.

✅ Academic Highlights:

• Broad subject choice at Key Stage 4 and Sixth Form

• Inclusive environment that supports learners of all abilities

• Successful progression of pupils to further education, training, and university

📊 Typical Academic Performance:

• GCSE:

  • ~65–75% of pupils achieve 5+ GCSEs at grades A–C*, including English and Maths

  • Strong performance in Health & Social Care, ICT, Sport, and Business Studies

• Post-16:

  • A wide mix of A-Level and vocational courses

  • Good outcomes for students progressing to college, apprenticeships, and university

🏆 Awards & Recognition

• Positive feedback from ETI inspections for:

  • Leadership and management

  • Student support and wellbeing

  • Safeguarding and inclusion

🏫 Strabane Academy – Contact Information

School Name: Strabane Academy
Type: Controlled Co-educational Secondary School (Ages 11–18)
Location: Strabane, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland

📍 Address:

Strabane Academy
Derry Road
Strabane
County Tyrone
BT82 8LD
Northern Ireland
United Kingdom

☎️ Telephone:

+44 (0)28 7188 0430

📧 Email:

info@strabaneacademy.co.uk

🌐 Website:

https://www.strabaneacademy.co.uk

📱 Social Media:

• Facebook: Strabane Academy

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

SEAG Score Needed to get into Strabane Academy

Below is historical scores for Strabane Academy from 2022 to 2014.

2022 Lowest Grade – AQE – 95
2021 N/A
2020 Lowest Grade – AQE – 96
2019 Lowest Grade – AQE – 95
2018 Lowest Grade – AQE – 61
2017 Lowest Grade – AQE – 74
2016 Lowest Grade – AQE – 82
2015 Lowest Grade – AQE – 98
2014 Lowest Grade – AQE – 101
As you can see from the above stats and 96 in AQE in most years will have got you into Strabane Academy. The highest score needed was 101 in 2014.
A 101 score in old AQE 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 Strabane Academy.

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 Strabane Academy

Preparing for the SEAG Transfer Test effectively is crucial to securing a place at highly competitive grammar schools like Strabane Academy. 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 Strabane Academy Admission

• Strabane Academy 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 Strabane Academy 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 Strabane Academy 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 oversubscribed, the school applies the following criteria:

1. Pupils with a sibling currently attending

2. Children of past pupils or staff

3. Pupils attending designated or local primary schools

4. Children living closest to the school

5. Tie-breaker: Random selection or geographical distance

SEAG Information for ‘Strabane Academy’.

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. Strabane Academy is a SEAG School. Strabane Academy 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 Strabane Academy

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 Result
Please ensure that you enter the Total Standardised Age Score (TSAS) awarded by the Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group (SEAG), together with the SEAG Unique Pupil Number, on the Transfer Application and please note it is the responsibility of parents/guardians to make sure that the Statement of Outcome received from SEAG, indicating their child’s SEAG Total Standardised Age Score (TSAS), is uploaded with the Transfer Application.
Route 1 – Academic based entry Academic ability entry is used to admit 50% of our Admissions Number, 55 pupils. Its purpose is to further the allability aim of the school and to ensure that each year group caters for students of all abilities including the most academically able. Consideration will also be given to those children claiming Special Circumstances or Special Provisions as defined in section 2 below.
Criterion 1 When considering which children should be selected for admission, the Admissions Committee will only take into account information which is detailed on or uploaded with the Transfer Application, including the Total Standardised Age Score (TSAS) provided by the Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group (SEAG) as a result of the child’s performance in the SEAG Entrance Assessment (or the score assigned as a result of consideration of Special Circumstances and/or Special Provisions). It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to make sure that all information pertaining to their child and relevant to the School’s admissions criteria, as outlined below, is stated on, or uploaded with, the Transfer Application.
SEAG will provide parents with a Total Standardised Age Score. Pupils will be allocated a place using a strict rank order of marks, so that higher scores precede lower scores up to the Admissions Number (55). The TSAS should be entered along with the SEAG Unique Pupil Number on the Transfer Application. Please note: It is the parents/guardians’ responsibility to make sure that the original Statement of Outcome received from SEAG is uploaded with the Transfer Application.
If the number of applications is greater than 55, the following criteria shall be applied in the order set down below until the point where 55 is reached.
1. Children who, at the date of their application EITHER have a child of the family¹ (sibling) currently enrolled at the school [state name(s) and Registration Group(s) on the Transfer Application] OR are the eldest² child of the family¹ to be eligible to transfer to a mainstream Post-Primary School (details to be supplied on the Transfer Application).
2. Children who are transferring from Controlled Primary Schools
3. Children who are transferring from Maintained Primary Schools
4. The age of the child. This will be alternated each year between eldest child and youngest child with preference this year being given to the eldest child (established by date-of-birth on the Birth Certificate)
In the event of being over-subscribed in any of the above criteria then selection for places remaining at that stage will be in accordance with the Tie-breaker criterion set out below.
Tie-breaker
The age of the child. This will be alternated each year between eldest child and youngest child with preference this year being given to the eldest child (established by date-of-birth on the Birth Certificate)
Further tie-breaker
In the unlikely event, in the tie-breaker criterion of two or more children having the same birthday, children will be selected by establishing a rank order determined on the basis of the order of surnames A to Z, using the surname as entered on the Birth Certificate or Adopted Children’s Register. In the event that two or more such children have identical surnames then the rank order will be determined on the basis of the order of the initials of the forenames (as entered on the birth certificate).
Route 2 – All ability based entry
The all-ability entry will be selected with no reference to test scores. Those children who if the number of applications is greater than the Admissions Number, the following criteria shall be applied in the order set down below until the point where the admissions number is reached.
1. Children who, at the date of their application EITHER have a child of the family¹ (sibling) currently enrolled at the school [state name(s) and Registration Group(s) on the Transfer Application] OR are the eldest² child of the family¹ to be eligible to transfer to a mainstream Post-Primary School (details to be supplied on the Transfer Application).
2. Children who are transferring from Controlled Primary Schools
3. Children who are transferring from Maintained Primary Schools
4. The age of the child. This will be alternated each year between eldest child and youngest child with preference this year being given to the eldest child (established by date-of-birth on the Birth Certificate)
ADMISSIONS TO YEAR 8 FOLLOWING THE CONCLUSION OF THE TRANSFERPROCESS
Should the Board of Governors determine that a child who has arrived in Northern Ireland after the Transfer Process has been concluded is suitable for admission and our Admissions Number has been reached, it will seek approval from the Department of Education to admit the child through the allocation of an additional place. Parents/Guardians who wish to have their child considered for admission in the event of a place arising after the beginning of the school year should write to the Principal stating this. An acknowledgement will be issued. If any place(s) become available after 1 September 2024 and there are more applicants than places available, then decisions will be made on application of the Year 8 Admissions Criteria to those children seeking admission at the time the place(s) become available. When the Board of Governors considers that the admission of the child would prejudice the efficient use of resources, it may refuse admission.
Visit Strabane Academy website for a more detailed Admissions Policy document – the https://strabaneacademy.co.uk