SEAG transfer test format: papers, scoring and bands

What is SEAG?

SEAG is a not-for-profit company of the 63 NI schools that use academic selectionSource for SEAG (Northern Ireland): BodySEAG (Northern Ireland): BodyCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group).The source says: The Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group (SEAG) is a not for profit, private limited company, open to all 63 of the post-primary schools in N. Ireland which use academic selection for all or part of their Year 8 intake.View the official source. It provides the test and the results, but not admissions: the post-primary admissions process is run by the Education Authority, not SEAGSource for SEAG (Northern Ireland): Ea runs admissionsSEAG (Northern Ireland): Ea runs admissionsCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group).The source says: The Post Primary Admissions Process is run by the Education Authority – SEAG has no role in this.View the official source. Each school's Board of Governors sets its own admissions criteria. Our Northern Ireland transfer test guide explains the whole process and this year's dates.

What is in the SEAG papers?

• Papers: two papers, English (or Irish) and mathsSource for SEAG (Northern Ireland): the two test papersSEAG (Northern Ireland): the two test papersCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group).The source says: The SEAG Entrance Assessment consists of two Papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2. Both Papers have an identical format and are set at the same level of difficulty.View the official source.
• Questions: 56 English and 56 maths questions in totalSource for SEAG (Northern Ireland): Question countSEAG (Northern Ireland): Question countCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group).The source says: based on the 56 English (or Gaeilge) Questions in Papers 1 and 2 and the 56 Maths questions in Papers 1 and 2.View the official source. In addition, each paper starts with a short practice section that does not countSource for SEAG (Northern Ireland): Practice sectionSEAG (Northern Ireland): Practice sectionCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group).The source says: Paper 1 and Paper 2 are Identical in format. Both have a short Practice Test Section to help pupils become familiar with the Paper and with using the Answer Sheet.View the official source.
• Language: English and Irish versionsSource for SEAG (Northern Ireland): Irish versionSEAG (Northern Ireland): Irish versionCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group).The source says: Both English and Gaeilge versions of the Assessment will be available.View the official source.
• Set and marked by: GL AssessmentSource for SEAG (Northern Ireland): Setter markerSEAG (Northern Ireland): Setter markerCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group).The source says: The SEAG Entrance Assessment is being set and marked by GL Assessment.View the official source.

For September 2027 entry, Paper 1 is on Saturday 14 November 2026Source for SEAG (Northern Ireland): Paper1SEAG (Northern Ireland): Paper1CloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group).The source says: Saturday, 14th November 2026View the official source and Paper 2 on Saturday 21 November 2026Source for SEAG (Northern Ireland): Paper2SEAG (Northern Ireland): Paper2CloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group).The source says: Saturday, 21st November 2026View the official source, at the assessment centre the parent chose when registering. If a child sits only one paper, their single paper is still marked and they get results marked "e" for estimateSource for SEAG (Northern Ireland): One paper estimateSEAG (Northern Ireland): One paper estimateCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group).The source says: Such pupils will, however, have their “single paper” marked by GL Assessment and will receive a Statement of Outcomes.View the official source.

How is the SEAG scored?

Results come on a Statement of Outcomes:

• Total Standardised Age Score (TSAS): 138 to 282, average 200Source for SEAG (Northern Ireland): total score range (total standardised age score)SEAG (Northern Ireland): total score range (total standardised age score)CloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group).The source says: The Total SAS range will be 138-282 with a mean (or average) of 200.View the official source. This adds the English (or Irish) score and the maths score together.
• Subject scores: the English (or Irish) and maths standardised age scores each run 69 to 141, average 100Source for SEAG (Northern Ireland): score range for each subject (standardised age score, SAS)SEAG (Northern Ireland): score range for each subject (standardised age score, SAS)CloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group).The source says: The English/Irish SAS range will be 69-141 with a mean (or average) of 100View the official source.
• Band: Band 1 = top 40%; Bands 2–5 = 10% each; Band 6 = below the 20th percentileSource for SEAG (Northern Ireland): BandsSEAG (Northern Ireland): BandsCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group).The source says: Outcomes are also given as one of six Bands. [...] Band 1 60% or higher Band 2 50-59% Band 3 40-49% Band 4 30-39% Band 5 20-29% Band 6 less than 20% [...] Pupils in Band 1 will be in the top 40% of those who sat the Assessment. Bands 2-5 will each contain 10% of the total cohort.View the official source.

A standardised age score takes account of a child's age when they sat the test, so younger children in the year group are not disadvantaged. Our standardised scores guide explains the idea.

How do schools use the results?

each school decides how to use the resultsSource for SEAG (Northern Ireland): Schools decide useSEAG (Northern Ireland): Schools decide useCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group).The source says: Decisions relating to the Year 8 Admissions Criteria such as whether to use Total Standardised Age Score, Band, a combination of both or by some other method are entirely a matter for the Board of Governors of each SEAG school.View the official source. Some schools use the score, some the band, and some both, alongside other criteria. Always read the admissions criteria of each school you are considering before you complete the transfer application.

Are there SEAG practice papers?

Yes, and they are free: free to download; SEAG sells noneSource for SEAG (Northern Ireland): free practice papersSEAG (Northern Ireland): free practice papersCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group).The source says: No, SEAG do not sell any practice papers.View the official source. The practice papers and the answer guide for parents are the official way to see the format. Familiarisation with the answer sheet and the timing helps children feel calmer on the day. See SEAG transfer test practice papers for where to download them and how to use them.

Can children get access arrangements?

Yes. they must be applied for by the published deadline with verified evidence, must reflect the child’s normal way of working in class, and can include up to 25% extra timeSource for SEAG (Northern Ireland): access arrangementsSEAG (Northern Ireland): access arrangementsCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group).The source says: Access Arrangements cannot be put in place solely for the Entrance Assessment. They must reflect the Normal Way of Working in the classroom.View the official source. Applications follow SEAG's published policy and deadline. See our guide to 11+ access arrangements for general advice on evidence.

Related pages

• Northern Ireland transfer test: the complete guide
• Transfer test results explained
• GL Assessment 11+
• 11+ exam boards explained

Sources

Facts on this page come from SEAG's website (frequently asked questions, assessment guide, access arrangements guide and practice materials), archived on 9 October 2026.

ExamKind is independent and is not connected with SEAG or GL Assessment. How we make our content.