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
One number is in the wrong place in this Venn diagram. Which one?
Show the worked answer
Answer: D, 25
How to work it out
Check every number against both labels.
25 is not an even number and a multiple of 5, so it belongs only multiples of 5, not only even numbers.
Why the other options are wrong
A (5): 5 is correctly placed only multiples of 5.
B (14): 14 is correctly placed only even numbers.
C (30): 30 is correctly placed in both circles.
E (36): 36 is correctly placed only even numbers.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
Which part has a spelling mistake? Choose “No mistake” if there is none.
Show the worked answer
Answer: A, The soldjer’s uniform
How to work it out
“soldjer” should be spelt “soldier”.
Why the other options are wrong
B (was covered in mud): Every word in this part is spelt correctly.
C (after the exercise): Every word in this part is spelt correctly.
D (in the forest.): Every word in this part is spelt correctly.
E (No mistake): There is a mistake: “soldjer” should be spelt “soldier”.
What entrance test does Bangor Grammar School use?
Bangor Grammar School 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 Bangor Grammar School?
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 Bangor Grammar School?
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 Bangor Grammar School?
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.