The SEAG transfer test (Northern Ireland)

Who uses it

Grammar schools across Northern Ireland, since the single test replaced the AQE and GL tests in 2023

When

Two Saturdays in November of P7 (Year 6 in England). In 2026: 14 and 21 November

Subjects

English (or the Irish-medium version) and maths

Format

Two papers, each with 28 English and 28 maths questions in 60 minutes; mostly multiple choice, some written answers; no calculators

Results

Late January, as standardised scores for English, maths and overall

What is the SEAG test?

Until 2023, Northern Ireland's grammar schools were split between two transfer tests, run by AQE and by the Post Primary Transfer Consortium. Since 2023 they have used a single test, set by the Schools' Entrance Assessment Group (SEAG) and written with GL Assessment. Each school uses the result in its own admissions criteria.

Families register with SEAG in September of P7. The tests are held at grammar schools on two Saturdays in November, with a contingency date in case a paper cannot go ahead.

What is in each paper

Both papers have the same format:

• A short practice section of 5 English and 5 maths questions, which is not timed and not scored, so children can settle in.
• An English section of 28 questions: comprehension, spelling, punctuation and grammar. Irish-medium pupils can take the English section in Irish (Gaeilge).
• A maths section of 28 questions across the primary curriculum.

Children have 60 minutes for all 56 questions and can start with either section. Most questions are multiple choice, but some need a written answer. Across the two papers, 12 English and 12 maths questions are free response. Calculators are not allowed.

Scores and results

SEAG gives each child a standardised score for English, for maths and overall, adjusted for age. There is no pass or fail: each grammar school sets its own admissions criteria and decides how to use the score. Results come out at the end of January, after which families apply for post-primary places through the Education Authority.

How to prepare for the SEAG test

• Work through SEAG's official practice papers, which follow the real format.
• Practise both subjects together against a 60-minute clock, as they share one time limit.
• Practise free-response questions, where there are no options to check against. Careful working and checking matter more here.
• Keep mental arithmetic and times tables sharp, as there is no calculator.

Other 11+ tests

• GL AssessmentMost of EnglandEnglish, maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning on paper.
• Quest AssessmentsGrowing; Kent from 2028Paper multiple-choice tests; Kent, Slough and Dorset switch to it for 2028 entry.
• FSCEAbout ten schoolsMaths, English and, at some schools, the wider curriculum and creative writing.
• CSSEEssexWritten maths and English papers, including a writing task.
• SEAGNorthern IrelandThe transfer test: two papers of English and maths in November.
• ISEB Pre-TestIndependent schoolsAn adaptive on-screen test, sat once a year.
• CEMSome independent schoolsShort timed sections. No longer used by grammar schools.

Read the full 11+ guide for parents