Transfer test results explained

What is on the Statement of Outcomes?

The total is based on both papers together: 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

What does "standardised age score" mean?

A raw score is the number of questions answered correctly. A standardised age score converts that raw score onto a fixed scale and takes your child's age into account, so that children of different ages in the same year group can be compared. That is why it is called an age score, why the scores do not start at zero, and why the average is a round number.

What does my child's band mean?

The band tells you how your child's total score compares with everyone else's in the same year. It is set by percentages of all the children who sat the test, not by a fixed pass mark: 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

There is no single "pass" in Northern Ireland. A band or score that wins a place at one school may not at another, because each school sets its own rules.

What if my child missed a 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 An estimated result is a real result that schools can use, but read each school's criteria: some say how they treat estimated outcomes.

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. In practice, schools use results in different ways:

• some rank applicants by total score;
• some place applicants in bands first, then use other rules within each band;
• many also use rules such as brothers and sisters already at the school, being the eldest child, or attending a named primary school.

Each school's admissions criteria for 2027 are on its own page in our list of Northern Ireland grammar schools. Read the criteria of every school you are thinking about before you apply.

Can I ask for a re-mark?

Yes. If you think there has been a marking error, you can ask for a re-mark between Monday 25 January 2027Source for SEAG (Northern Ireland): Remark opensSEAG (Northern Ireland): Remark opensCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group).The source says: Monday, 25th January 2027View the official source and Wednesday 3 February 2027Source for SEAG (Northern Ireland): Remark closesSEAG (Northern Ireland): Remark closesCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group).The source says: Wednesday, 3rd February 2027View the official source; see transfer test re-marks. A re-mark checks the marking; it is not a second chance to sit the test.

What happens next?

1. Read the criteria of the schools you like, with your child's score and band in front of you.
2. Apply through the Education Authority. nidirect advises: list at least four schools, including a non-grammarSource for Northern Ireland transfer: PreferencesNorthern Ireland transfer: PreferencesCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against nidirect (NI Government).The source says: You should send your child’s application via the online portal, listing at least four schools, including a non-grammar school.View the official source.
3. Note the deadline. The Education Authority's 2027 application deadline is 12 noon, Wednesday 3 March 2027Source for Northern Ireland transfer: Application deadlineNorthern Ireland transfer: Application deadlineCloseChecked 17 Oct 2026 against nidirect (NI Government).The source says: The Post Primary online application procedure closes at 12.00 noon on Wednesday 3 March 2027.View the official source. We add it as soon as it is published.

It is a good idea to include a non-grammar school in your list. If a school cannot offer a place, your application passes to your next preference.

Results day can be hard

Whatever the result, your child has good options. A score is a snapshot of two mornings, not a measure of your child. Talk about the result calmly, and give your child time before you talk about schools.

Frequently asked questions

When do transfer test results come out?

For September 2027 entry, results are online on Saturday 23 January 2027Source for SEAG (Northern Ireland): OutcomesSEAG (Northern Ireland): OutcomesCloseChecked 9 Oct 2026 against SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group).The source says: It is planned that SEAG results will be released on Saturday 23rd January 2027.View the official source.

What is a good transfer test score?

There is no single good score, because each school uses results differently. Compare your child's total score and band with the criteria of the schools you are thinking about.

Is Band 1 a pass?

There is no pass mark. Band 1 means the total score is among the highest group of scores in the year: 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

Who runs the test, and who runs admissions?

SEAG runs the test, and it is 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. 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

Related pages

• The Northern Ireland transfer test: the complete guide
• Northern Ireland transfer test dates: results, re-marks and applications
• Transfer test re-marks: how and when to request one
• Applying for a post-primary place after the transfer test
• Grammar schools in Northern Ireland
• SEAG format: papers, scoring and bands
• Keeping perspective

Sources

Facts on this page come from archived official sources checked on 9 October 2026: SEAG (frequently asked questions, key dates and assessment guide) and nidirect (transfer to a post-primary school).

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