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: A, 34
How to work it out
Check every number against both labels.
34 is not a multiple of 4 and not a square number, so it belongs outside both circles, not in both circles.
Why the other options are wrong
B (16): 16 is correctly placed in both circles.
C (32): 32 is correctly placed only multiples of 4.
D (28): 28 is correctly placed only multiples of 4.
E (1): 1 is correctly placed only square numbers.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
Show the worked answer
Answer: D, The dog's bowl was empty.
How to work it out
The correct sentence is: The dog's bowl was empty.
An apostrophe shows missing letters (can’t) or that something belongs to someone (the cat’s).
St Malachy’s 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 St Malachy’s 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Schools do not publish pass marks.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 St Malachy’s 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 St Malachy’s 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.