85% 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
What is 25% of 173,000?
Show the worked answer
Answer: A, 43,250
How to work it out
10% of 173,000 is 17,300.
Build 25% from that: 43,250.
Why the other options are wrong
B (432,500): This is ten times too big: the answer has one digit too many.
C (6,920): This divides by 25 instead of finding 25 hundredths.
D (17,300): This is 10%, not 25%.
E (129,750): This is what is left after taking 25% away.
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 comittee will
How to work it out
“comittee” should be spelt “committee”.
Double everything: two m, two t, two e.
Why the other options are wrong
B (meet on Monday): Every word in this part is spelt correctly.
C (to discuss the): Every word in this part is spelt correctly.
D (available options.): Every word in this part is spelt correctly.
E (No mistake): There is a mistake: “comittee” should be spelt “committee”. Double everything: two m, two t, two e.
What entrance test does Friends’ School Lisburn use?
Friends’ School Lisburn 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 Friends’ School Lisburn?
Schools do not publish pass marks. As a guide, Prism suggests a child aims to score around 85% consistently in practice for a highly 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 Friends’ School Lisburn?
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 Friends’ School Lisburn?
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.