Northern Ireland 11+ key dates
Facts checked 9 October 2026By ExamKind Editorial Team
Some details are being re-checked
We check every fact against the official source on a schedule, and some details on this page are due their next check (last verified 17 October 2026). We'll update the page if anything has changed. How we check facts
In short
These are the key steps in the Northern Ireland 11+ for 2027 entry and 2028 entry. Each date links to the official source and the day we checked it. Dates for later years appear here when the council or schools publish them, and we never show last year's dates as upcoming.
Step by step, September 2027 entry
Add to my calendarStep 1: Register for the test
DoneSign your child up for SEAG Entrance Assessment. This is not the school place application.
Show the dates
3 earlier steps, all doneShow
Done: Test registration opens
Done: Test registration closes
Done: Admission cards sent for the test
Step 2: Your child sits the test
NowThe test day, and any practice test before it.
Next: Test day
Coming up: Transfer test, paper 1
Coming up: Transfer test, paper 2
Step 3: Results
Coming upYou find out whether your child reached the standard, and how to ask for a review.
Coming up: Results
Coming up: Re-mark requests open
Coming up: Re-mark requests close
in about 15 weeks
Only if you want the test papers marked again
Step 4: Apply for school places
Dates not publishedApply for a Year 8 place through the Education Authority's transfer application, in your real order of preference.
Not published yet: Transfer application deadline (to the Education Authority)
Not yet published, checked 17 Oct 2026
Step 5: Offers
Dates not publishedYour council tells you which school has offered a place.
Not published yet: School place outcomes
Not yet published, checked 9 Oct 2026
Step 6: Appeals and waiting lists
Coming upIf you are refused a place, you can appeal and join waiting lists.
Coming up: Appeal deadline
in about 30 weeks
Year 5 now? Steps for September 2028 entry
Step 1: Your child sits the test
Dates not publishedThe test day, and any practice test before it.
Not published yet: Test day
Not yet published, checked 9 Oct 2026
Step 2: Results
Dates not publishedYou find out whether your child reached the standard, and how to ask for a review.
Not published yet: Results
Not yet published, checked 9 Oct 2026
Step 3: Apply for school places
Dates not publishedApply for a Year 8 place through the Education Authority's transfer application, in your real order of preference.
Not published yet: Transfer application deadline (to the Education Authority)
Not yet published, checked 9 Oct 2026
Step 4: Appeals and waiting lists
Dates not publishedIf you are refused a place, you can appeal and join waiting lists.
Not published yet: Appeal deadline
Not yet published, checked 9 Oct 2026