Foyle College: 11 Plus entry

A state grammar school in Derry & Tyrone 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
Derry & Tyrone, 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

A recipe for 6 people uses 250 g of flour. How much flour is needed for 12 people?

Show the worked answer

Answer: E, 500 g

How to work it out

  1. Flour for one person: 250 ÷ 6 = 41.666666666666664 g.
  2. For 12 people: 41.666666666666664 × 12 = 500 g.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds

Which word best completes the sentence?

I have _____ finished my homework.

Show the worked answer

Answer: B, already

How to work it out

“already” is the word that fits: I have already finished my homework.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A (soon): “Soon” looks forward, but “have finished” is already done.
  • C (before): “Before” does not go in this position.
  • D (all ready): “All ready” means completely prepared.
  • E (yet): “Yet” is used in questions and negatives: “I have not finished yet”.

Other selective schools in Derry & Tyrone

Questions parents ask

What entrance test does Foyle College use?

Foyle College 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 Foyle College?

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 Foyle College?

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 Foyle College?

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 Foyle College. Details are indicative; always check admissions arrangements with the school.