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
Work out the subtraction:
7 − 13
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, 623
How to work it out
Take 13 from one of the wholes: 1 − 13 = 23.
That leaves 6 wholes and 23: 623.
Why the other options are wrong
A (110): This adds the whole number to the bottom; the bottom number names the size of the parts and does not change.
B (713): This adds the fraction on instead of taking it away.
D (613): This takes 1 whole away but keeps 13. What is left of that whole is 23.
E (63): This takes the top number from the whole number, mixing wholes and parts.
What entrance test does St Colman’s College, Newry use?
St Colman’s College, Newry 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 St Colman’s College, Newry?
Schools do not publish pass marks.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 St Colman’s College, Newry?
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 St Colman’s College, Newry?
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.