Dalriada School: 11 Plus entry

A state grammar school in Antrim & Down for boys and girls, with entry at 11+. Here is the test it uses, what is in it and how to prepare.

At a glance

Type
Grammar school
Pupils
Mixed
Area
Antrim & Down, Northern Ireland
Entry
11+
Entrance test
SEAG Transfer Test (Northern Ireland)
Tested
Maths and English
Competition
Selective
Prism’s suggested target
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.

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

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

Ella and Farid share £90 in the ratio 4 : 6. How much does Farid get?

Show the worked answer

Answer: C, £54

How to work it out

  1. There are 4 + 6 = 10 parts.
  2. One part is £90 ÷ 10 = £9.
  3. Farid gets 6 parts: 6 × £9 = £54.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds

What does the word “concise” mean?

Show the worked answer

Answer: B, giving information clearly in few words

How to work it out

  1. “Concise” (adjective) means giving information clearly in few words.
  2. For example: Write a concise summary of the story.

Other selective schools in Antrim & Down

Questions parents ask

What entrance test does Dalriada School use?

Dalriada 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 Dalriada 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Schools do not publish pass marks.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 Dalriada 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 Dalriada 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.

Start the free assessment

Prism Learning is not affiliated with Dalriada School. Details are indicative; always check admissions arrangements with the school.