78% in practice (our estimate, not a school figure)
About the 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.
Stage
Paper
Questions
Time
SEAG
Paper 1
56
60 minutes
SEAG
Paper 2
56
60 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
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.
Practice questions in the style of the test
Written by Prism in the style of the test, not taken from any school’s papers.
Question 1Aim for about 60 seconds
How many edges does a hexagonal-based pyramid have?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, 12
How to work it out
Edges are the lines where two faces meet.
A hexagonal-based pyramid has 7 faces, 12 edges and 7 vertices.
Count the hidden ones at the back too.
Why the other options are wrong
A (13): A near miss: check the working again.
C (9): Some are hidden at the back: they still count.
D (7): This is the number of faces, not edges.
E (14): One or more have been counted twice.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
Which part has a punctuation mistake? Choose “No mistake” if there is none.
Show the worked answer
Answer: D, daughters birthday.
How to work it out
“daughter’s” shows that something belongs to someone, so it needs an apostrophe.
Why the other options are wrong
A (Our neighbours are): This part is punctuated correctly.
B (planning a surprise): This part is punctuated correctly.
C (party for their): This part is punctuated correctly.
E (No mistake): There is a mistake: “daughter’s” shows that something belongs to someone, so it needs an apostrophe.
Ballymena Academy uses the SEAG Transfer Test (Northern Ireland), which tests maths and English. Check the school’s admissions page for the current arrangements.
What score does my child need for Ballymena Academy?
Schools do not publish pass marks. As a guide, Prism suggests a child aims to score around 78% consistently in practice for a selective school. This is Prism’s own estimate, not a figure from the school, and no score guarantees a place.
When should my child start preparing for Ballymena Academy?
Most families start in Year 4 or early Year 5, then practise timed papers during the summer before the test, which usually takes place in November.
Preparing for Ballymena Academy?
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.