SEAG Transfer Test Guide (Northern Ireland)
- Format: Two papers taken in early November. Paper 1 is English/Irish; Paper 2 is Maths. Each paper lasts about 1–1.5 hours (usually split into timed sections). All content is drawn from the NI Key Stage 2 curriculum.
- Subjects: English paper covers reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary and spelling (all KS2 Literacy). Maths paper covers number, arithmetic, fractions, geometry, data and problem-solving (full KS2 Maths). Questions include multiple-choice and short-answer sections.
- Registration: Parents register online via SEAG in summer term. A child ID number and personal details are needed. Keep track of deadlines for access requests (e.g. extra time).
- Scoring: Scores are standardized for age, so a child’s score is adjusted to be comparable with older peers. Results are released after the exams (January). Schools use these scores for admissions, so families should list preferred schools via the official form.
- Preparation Tips: Focus on fluency with KS2 topics. Use NI-specific materials if available. For English, practise reading varied texts and answering inference questions. For Maths, ensure speed with calculations and visualising geometry. Use past SEAG or AQE papers if possible.
- Exam Strategy: Teach exam technique: read all instructions carefully, answer easy questions first, and manage time (e.g. 1–2 min per question on average). Double-check answers if time permits. Keep calm – jumping to next question if stuck will help complete more questions correctly.
