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SEAG Transfer Test (Northern Ireland)

Northern Ireland’s grammar schools use the SEAG assessment: two papers in November of P7, each with English and maths sections.

At a glance

Subjects
Maths and English
Usually held
November
Set by
SEAG
Schools
57

The papers

StagePaperQuestionsTime
SEAGPaper 15660 minutes
SEAGPaper 25660 minutes

Paper formats are indicative and change from year to year. Always check the current arrangements with the school or local authority.

How to prepare for the SEAG

The SEAG Transfer Test (Northern Ireland) covers maths and English. Most families start steady preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5, building accuracy first and speed later, then sit timed papers through the summer before the test, which usually takes place in November.

For maths, secure the Key Stage 2 arithmetic, fractions, ratio and problem solving before moving to the multi-step questions that separate the strongest candidates.

For English, read widely every day and practise comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar; selective tests reward precise word knowledge.

Schools that use the SEAG

Try some SEAG style questions

Question 1Aim for about 60 seconds

206 pupils are going on a trip. Each coach holds 24 pupils. How many coaches are needed?

Show the worked answer

Answer: B, 9

How to work it out

  1. 206 ÷ 24 = 8.58.
  2. Part of a coach cannot be hired, so round up to 9.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds

Which word is spelt incorrectly?

Show the worked answer

Answer: B, accomodate

How to work it out

  1. “accomodate” should be spelt “accommodate”.
  2. It is big enough to fit two c and two m.

Questions parents ask

What subjects are in the SEAG?

The SEAG tests maths and English.

When is the SEAG?

The main test usually takes place in November. Dates change each year, so always confirm them with the school or local authority.

How should my child prepare for the SEAG?

Build the core skills in Year 4 and 5, learn each question type, then practise timed papers in the SEAG format. Prism builds this plan automatically from a free starting assessment.

Find out where your child stands today

Prism starts with a free assessment across maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, then builds a weekly plan for your target schools. Parents follow progress free.

Start the free assessment