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Wellington College Belfast Information

11+

SEAG

Wellington College Belfast Information

Age:11+

Table of Content

🏫 Wellington College Belfast – SEAG Practice Papers with Video Explanations

Controlled Grammar School | Co-educational | Belfast, Northern Ireland | Ages 11–18


📚 History of Wellington College Belfast

Wellington College Belfast was established in 1989 through the amalgamation of two schools: Annadale Grammar School for Boys and Carolan Grammar School for Girls. Named after the Duke of Wellington, the college carries forward a tradition of academic achievement and inclusive education.

Situated in South Belfast, close to Forestside and the Ravenhill Road, Wellington College occupies a modern, well-equipped campus and has grown into a respected co-educational grammar school serving a diverse pupil population across Belfast and beyond.

The school’s motto is “Virtute Crescam”“May I grow in moral excellence” – reflecting its values of academic excellence, character development, and community responsibility.


👨‍🎓 Pupil Numbers & Structure

  • Total Pupils: ~800

  • Year 8 Intake: ~100–110 students

  • Sixth Form: ~150 students

  • Gender: Co-educational

  • Age Range: 11–18

  • School Type: Controlled Grammar School

  • Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational (Welcoming all faiths and none)


🎓 Academic Reputation

Wellington College has developed a strong academic profile, with consistent results at both GCSE and A-Level, as well as a reputation for providing a supportive and disciplined environment that values both academic and personal achievement.

✅ Academic Strengths:

  • Excellence in STEM, Languages, Art & Design, and Business

  • Strong careers education and university application support

  • High proportion of leavers progress to Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, and UK-wide higher education institutions

📊 Academic Results:

  • GCSEs:

    • ~98% of pupils achieve 5+ GCSEs A–C* (including English and Maths)

    • ~70–80% of grades at A–B*

  • A-Levels:

    • ~80% of grades at A–C*

    • Students regularly gain entry into competitive university courses


🏆 Awards & Recognition

  • Positive ETI inspection reports for leadership, teaching quality, and pupil progress

🏫 Wellington College Belfast – Contact Information

School Name: Wellington College Belfast
Type: Co-educational Voluntary Grammar School (Ages 11–18)
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland


📍 Address:

Wellington College Belfast
18 Carolan Road
Belfast
BT7 3HE
Northern Ireland
United Kingdom


☎️ Telephone:

+44 (0)28 9064 2539


📧 Email:

info@wellingtoncollegebelfast.org


🌐 Website:

https://www.wellingtoncollegebelfast.org


📱 Social Media:

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

SEAG Score Needed to get into Wellington College Belfast

Below is historical scores for Wellington College Belfast from 2023 to 2014.

2023 Lowest Score – AQE 94
2022 Lowest Grade – AQE 94
2021 N/A
2020 Lowest Grade – AQE 94
2019 Lowest Grade – AQE 94
2018 Lowest Grade – AQE 94
2017 Lowest Grade – AQE 88
2016 Lowest Grade – AQE 94
2015 Lowest Grade – AQE 94
2014 Lowest Grade – AQE 94

As you can see from the above stats and 94 in AQE in all years will have got you into Wellington College Belfast. The highest score needed was 234 in all years apart from 88 needed in 2017.
A 94 score in old AQE test is equivalent to 185 in new SEAG test so based on past intake a minimum score of 185+ in SEAG test would give your child a very high chance of getting accepted into Wellington College Belfast.

SEAG Comparison with historical AQE and PPTC outcomes:

Approx PPTC / GL Equivalent SAS SEAG TSAS Approx AQE Equivalent SAS SEAG Band SEAG Cohort Percentile
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
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 Wellington College Belfast

Preparing for the SEAG Transfer Test effectively is crucial to securing a place at highly competitive grammar schools like Wellington 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 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 Wellington College Belfast Admission

  • Wellington 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 Wellington 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 Wellington College Belfast 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, Wellington College applies the following criteria:

  1. Applicants with SEAG Transfer Test scores, ranked highest to lowest

  2. Siblings of current or former pupils

  3. Children of staff members or past pupils

  4. Applicants from feeder or contributory primary schools

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

Special Circumstances/Provisions (e.g. illness, SEN, bereavement) may be taken into account with appropriate documentation.


📅 Key Dates 

Stage Date
SEAG Registration Opens May 
SEAG Registration Closes September 
SEAG Test Dates November (Two Saturdays)
Results Sent to Parents January
EA Application Opens Late January
EA Application Deadline February
Offers Announced March

SEAG Exam Information for Wellington 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 Lady’s Grammar School is a SEAG School. Wellington 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. 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 Wellington College Belfast

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:
The number of places available in Year 8 is limited to the admissions number set by the Department of Education for Northern Ireland and is currently 120 places. If the number of applications is greater than the Admissions Number determined by the Department of Education, the following criteria (to include sub-criteria) shall be applied in the order listed below until the point where the admissions number is reached. If there are fewer applicants complying with a particular criterion or sub-criterion than there are places available or remaining, those applicants complying with that criterion or sub-criterion will be admitted and the next criterion or sub-criterion will be applied to the remaining applicants. If there are more applicants complying with a particular criterion or sub-criterion than there are places available or remaining, those applicants complying with that criterion or sub-criterion will go forward to be considered under the next criterion or sub-criterion and those not complying with that criterion or sub-criterion will be eliminated.

1) Children resident in Northern Ireland at the time of their proposed admission will be selected for admission to the College before any child not so resident.
2) The Transfer Committee will consider children who have taken the Entrance Assessment administered by the Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group (SEAG). The Board of Governors will use the Total Standardised Age Score (TSAS) as awarded by SEAG to a pupil in the Entrance Assessment, subject only to the consideration of parent/guardian(s) claiming ‘Special Circumstances’ or ‘Special Provisions’ as defined below. Places will be allocated in strict rank order of the scores, starting with the highest score and working in descending rank order, up to the Admissions Number (120). The TSAS in the SEAG Entrance Assessment should be entered, along with the SEAG Unique Pupil Number, on the Transfer Application.
3) Children who at the date of their application have a sibling, defined as a child of the family1 currently enrolled at the College (state name(s) and Registration Group(s) on the Transfer Application).
4) Children who are the are the eldest2 or only child of the family1 eligible to transfer to a mainstream Post- Primary School in Northern Ireland (details to be supplied on the Transfer Application).
5) Children who are entitled to Free School Meals. ‘Entitled to Free School Meals’ will mean applicants who are listed on the Education Authority register as entitled to Free School Meals at the date on which their parent or guardian has signed their post-primary Transfer Application
6) Children who are registered at a Primary School which is a recognised Feeder School to the College. A recognised Feeder School is one from which any pupils (including statemented children) have transferred to Wellington College Belfast in the most recent 3 years, excluding 2021. Feeder Schools will be ranked in accordance with the actual number of pupils sent in the most recent 3 years, excluding 2021. This rank order will be used so that those primary schools sending higher numbers of pupils to the College will have precedence.
7) Tie-breaker. Children will be ranked for acceptance on the basis of a computer-based process which will make use of the data as entered on the Transfer Application. The process is carried out by means of a computer program which, for each applicant, generates a ranking number using the details from the Transfer Application as the seed for a random number generator. The ranking number generated, for any given applicant, is dependent only on the applicant’s data (as entered on the Transfer Application) and is not affected by the details of any other child. Although the process is repeatable, and the results may therefore be subsequently verified, it is not possible to predict, in advance of running the program, what the result will be for any given set of details. Applicants with the lowest ranking numbers will be given places up to the number of places available.
Visit Wellington College Belfast website for a more detailed Admissions Policy document – https://wellingtoncollegebelfast.org

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