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Methodist College Belfast: Year 8 entry

1 Malone Road, Belfast BT9 6BY

Facts checked 19 October 2026By ExamKind Editorial TeamSchool website

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 19 October 2026). We'll update the page if anything has changed. How we check facts

Can we apply, and what did it take?

For September 2027 entry

  • How places are decided

    By test score, in rank order

    No minimum score stated; places allocated by rank order of Total Standardised Age Score (TSAS) and from a rank-ordered pool.

    Checked, source: Methodist College Belfast, checked

  • Year 8 places

    240

    2026 entry, Published Admission Number ()

    Checked, source: Methodist College Belfast, checked

  • Lowest score admitted

    No dated figureThe school publishes its figures without the year. They are listed under “Can we get in?”.

Your next deadlines

  1. Next: Re-mark requests close

    in about 15 weeks

    Only if you want the test papers marked again

  2. Coming up: Appeal deadline

    in about 30 weeks

How far offers reached

Can we get in?

How places are given

Northern Ireland grammar schools give Year 8 places using their own admissions criteria, often in order of transfer test result. Methodist College Belfast's criteria are under Admission rules on this page.

Qualifying is not the same as being offered a place.

Reaching the school's standard means your child can be considered. If more children qualify than there are places, the school gives places using its admission rules, in order. The figures below show how far those rules reached in past years. They are history, not a prediction: they change every year with who applies.

Checked, source: Department for Education (GOV.UK), checked

Most Northern Ireland schools do not publish how far places reached. Read the school's admissions criteria to see how it ranks applicants, and what transfer test results mean.

Other published figures

  • Year not stated: Lowest Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group () TSAS admitted: pool applicants meeting sub-criteria 2.1.i-2.1.iv (FSME, Prep Department, Methodist minister's child, sibling) were admitted down to 196. The page does not say which entry year these figures are for.: 196
  • Year not stated: Lowest SEAG TSAS admitted on score alone from the pool (sub-criterion 2.2.i), i.e. for pool applicants not meeting 2.1.i-2.1.iv. The page does not say which entry year these figures are for.: 206
  • Year not stated: SEAG TSAS of the 200th place, the last of the 200 places filled purely in score order before the pool (240 places, 311 applications considered). The page does not say which entry year these figures are for.: 211

Source: Methodist College Belfast, checked

About these figures

Methody has published the scores at which its places ran out. Its page does not say which entry year the figures belong to, so treat them with care. They describe one past group of applicants and move every year with the cohort. None of them is a pass mark.

The gap between the two pool figures shows the pool at work: a priority rule let some children in with a lower score than others in the same pool.

At a glance

Methodist College Belfast in brief

tap a value for its source

Year 8 places
240Year 8 placesChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Methodist College Belfast.The source says: The number of places available is limited to the Admissions Number set by the Department of Education for Northern Ireland; this is 240 places.View the official source2026 entry
The (PAN): how many children the school plans to admit.
Pupils
co-educationalPupilsChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Methodist College Belfast.The source says: Voluntary Grammar School Co-Educational Non-DenominationalView the official source
Who the school admits.
Entrance test
SEAG Entrance Assessment (the NI transfer test)
The test children sit to be considered.

Key dates

Dates for September 2027 entry

For children in P7 in 2026/27.

Add to my calendar

SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group)

3 earlier steps, all doneShow

  1. Done: Test registration opens

  2. Done: Test registration closes

  3. Done: Admission cards sent for the test

  1. Next: Test day

  2. Coming up: Transfer test, paper 1

  3. Coming up: Transfer test, paper 2

  4. Coming up: Results

  5. Coming up: Re-mark requests open

  6. Coming up: Re-mark requests close

    in about 15 weeks

    Only if you want the test papers marked again

  7. Coming up: Appeal deadline

    in about 30 weeks

    Source: nidirect (NI Government), checked

  8. Not published yet: Transfer application deadline (to the Education Authority)

    Not yet published, checked 17 Oct 2026

  9. Not published yet: School place outcomes

    Not yet published, checked 9 Oct 2026

Year 5 now? Dates for September 2028 entryNone of these dates are published yet.

  1. Not published yet: Test day

    Not yet published, checked 9 Oct 2026

  2. Not published yet: Results

    Not yet published, checked 9 Oct 2026

  3. Not published yet: Appeal deadline

    Not yet published, checked 9 Oct 2026

  4. Not published yet: Transfer application deadline (to the Education Authority)

    Not yet published, checked 9 Oct 2026

Notes on these dates

When will the new criteria appear? SEAG's guidance: Schools publish their criteria for Year 8 September 2027 entry during the 2026-27 school year, before the transfer application process begins.Northern Ireland: Criteria publication timingChecked 9 Oct 2026 against SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group).The source says: Each Board of Governors has a responsibility to publish its Admissions Criteria for Year 8 September 2027 Entry. These Criteria are published in the 2026-27 school year before Parents/Guardians begin the Post Primary Transfer Application Process.View the official source For comparison, last year's EA deadline was noon on Thursday 19 February 2026Northern Ireland 2026 entry: Transfer application deadlineChecked 9 Oct 2026 against nidirect (NI Government).The source says: The Post Primary online application procedure closes at 12.00 noon on Thursday 19 February 2026.View the official source. Methody's 2026 rules also gave late forms a short grace period: Late applications received by 4pm Tuesday 24 February 2026 treated as equal to punctual applications received by 12 noon Thursday 19 February 2026.Methodist College Belfast: Late applicationsChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Methodist College Belfast.The source says: During the admissions procedure when applying the criteria, the Board of Governors will consider late applications received by 4pm on Tuesday 24th February 2026 to be equal to punctual applications received by 12 noon on Thursday 19th February 2026.View the official source

How places are given

8 admission rules, in order, for 2026 entry

If more children qualify than there are places, Methodist College Belfast gives places using these rules (its ), in this order (the 2026 rules; the rules for 2027 entry are not published yet).

  1. 1

    First 200 places in rank order of SEAG Total Standardised Age Score (ties at 200th place admitted, then 2.1.i-2.1.iv and 2.2.ii if necessary).

    The policy's own words
    2.1 The first 200 places from the admissions total of 240 will be allocated to those children who have applied and provided a SEAG Total Standardised Age Score
  2. 2

    Pool of around 60 next applicants by rank order of SEAG score (all tied at 260th place included); remaining places allocated from pool by sub-criteria below.

    The policy's own words
    Following the allocation of places as described above, a limited pool of around 60 children will be identified from the remaining applicants
  3. 3

    2.1.i Pool: children entitled to Free School Meals.

    The policy's own words
    2.1.i Children who are entitled to Free School Meals (FSME)
  4. 4

    2.1.ii Pool: present members of the College's Preparatory Department.

    The policy's own words
    2.1.ii Present members of the College in its Preparatory Department
  5. 5

    2.1.iii Pool: children of Methodist Ministers.

    The policy's own words
    2.1.iii The children of Methodist Ministers
  6. 6

    2.1.iv Pool: siblings enrolled in the Secondary Department or already offered a place.

    The policy's own words
    2.1.iv Those with sibling(s) who is/are presently enrolled in the Secondary Department of the College
  7. 7

    2.2.i If still tied: SEAG TSAS, higher scores first.

    The policy's own words
    2.2.i The SEAG Total Standardised Age Score, those achieving higher scores being allocated places before those achieving lower scores;
  8. 8

    2.2.ii Ties on final score ranked by computer-based random process.

    The policy's own words
    2.2.ii If two or more children are tied on the final score, they will be ranked for acceptance based on a computer-based process

Source: Methodist College Belfast, checked

More detail from our guide

A note on dates. Methody's governors write fresh criteria every year. The detail here is taken from their Admissions Criteria for entry September 2026 (Admissions Policy, Entry to Form 1 (Year 8) 2026 - 2027)Methodist College Belfast: Document title (2026)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Methodist College Belfast.The source says: Admissions Criteria for entry September 2026 ... ADMISSIONS POLICY ENTRY TO FORM 1 (YEAR 8) 2026 - 2027View the official source, i.e. the September 2026 intake. Rules for September 2027 are Methodist College Belfast: Criteria published (2027)Not yet published by Methodist College Belfast; last checked 9 Oct 2026.The source says: Admissions Policy - 2026 - 2027View the official source, so read them carefully when they appear in case anything has moved.

The overall shape: The first 200 of 240 places go in rank order of SEAG Total Standardised Age Score; the remaining places are filled from a pool of around 60 further applicants, also identified by rank order of SEAG score, using sub-criteria. Applicants without a SEAG score are only considered if places remain unfilled.Methodist College Belfast: Academic selection (2026)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Methodist College Belfast.The source says: The first 200 places from the admissions total of 240 will be allocated to those children who have applied and provided a SEAG Total Standardised Age Score (including those to whom Special Circumstances or Special Provisions apply) on the basis of the rank order of their respective scores with those achieving higher scores being allocated places before those achieving lower scores.View the official source

So a high score is the main way in. A child who lands just below the score-order places goes into the pool, where certain circumstances move them up. Inside the pool, the order for 2026 entry was: (1) Entitled to Free School Meals (pool sub-criterion 2.1.i). (2) Present member of the College's Preparatory Department (2.1.ii). (3) Child of a Methodist Minister (2.1.iii). (4) Sibling in the Secondary Department or already offered a place (2.1.iv). (5) Higher SEAG Total Standardised Age Score first (2.2.i). (6) Computer-generated random number, lowest first (2.2.ii).Methodist College Belfast: Tie breakers (2026)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Methodist College Belfast.The source says: Then all remaining available places up to the school's Admissions Number will be allocated from this pool upon application of the following sub-criteria which will be applied in the order in which they are set out:View the official source

Points worth knowing:

  • Ministers' children and residence. From the criteria: Children of Methodist Ministers (in full connexion with the Methodist Church in Ireland); Children resident in Northern Ireland at the time of proposed admission selected before those not so residentMethodist College Belfast: Other criteria (2026)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Methodist College Belfast.The source says: Children who will be resident in Northern Ireland at the time of their proposed admission to the College will be selected for admission before any such children not so resident. ... 2.1.iii The children of Methodist Ministers (see note 3);View the official source. In short, a child living in Northern Ireland when they would start comes ahead of one who does not.
  • The Preparatory Department. The College has a Preparatory Department; present members of it get priority (sub-criterion 2.1.ii) within the pool.Methodist College Belfast: Prep departmentChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Methodist College Belfast.The source says: The College has two constituent parts: the Preparatory Department and the Secondary Department.View the official source No outside primary schools are named as feeders.
  • Brothers and sisters. Sibling presently enrolled in the Secondary Department of the College or already offered a place; sibling defined as children who, at the date of application, have a child of the family currently enrolled at the school (DE 'child of the family' definition).Methodist College Belfast: Sibling criterion (2026)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Methodist College Belfast.The source says: 2.1.iv Those with sibling(s) who is/are presently enrolled in the Secondary Department of the College or has/have already been offered a place (see note 4).View the official source
  • Eldest child. Methody's list had noMethodist College Belfast: Eldest child criterion (2026)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Methodist College Belfast.The source says: 2.1.i Children who are entitled to Free School Meals (FSME) ... 2.1.ii Present members of the College in its Preparatory Department ... 2.1.iii The children of Methodist Ministers ... 2.1.iv Those with sibling(s)View the official source eldest-child rule.
  • A tie at the very end. Computer program generates a random number for each applicant; lowest random numbers given places.Methodist College Belfast: Final tie break (2026)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Methodist College Belfast.The source says: The random selection process referred to in criterion 2.2.ii above is carried out by means of a computer program which, for each applicant, generates a random number. The result, for any given applicant, is not affected by the details of any other applicant. Applicants with the lowest random number will be given places up to the number of places available.View the official source
  • Special circumstances. Board considers medical or other problems affecting SEAG performance, supported by documentary evidence; parents complete the SC Form (from the College website) and upload it with evidence to the online Post-Primary Transfer Application. Two-stage process: threshold test, then possible TSAS adjustment using P5/P6 standardised scores. Separate Special Provisions route (SP Form) for children transferring from outside NI, >half primary education outside NI, unable to sit, or sat only one paper.Methodist College Belfast: Special circumstances (2026)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Methodist College Belfast.The source says: The Board of Governors will consider medical or other problems which may have affected performance at the time of the SEAG Entrance Assessment and which are supported by documentary evidence of a medical or other appropriate nature. These 'medical or other problems' are commonly referred to as 'Special Circumstances'. Parents/Guardians who wish to apply to the College under Special Circumstances should complete the Special Circumstances Form (SC Form), obtainable from the College website, and upload it with appropriate documentary evidence to the online Post-Primary Transfer Application.View the official source
  • No SEAG result. Considered only if places remain after criteria 2.1 and 2.2; remaining places then allocated by applying criteria 2.1.i to 2.1.iv and 2.2.ii. Children who sat only one paper are considered only under Special Provisions.Methodist College Belfast: Applicants without result (2026)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Methodist College Belfast.The source says: If, following the application of criterion 2.1 and 2.2 and sub-criteria, all the available places have not been filled, the Board of Governors will consider for admission any pupils without a SEAG standardised score. Allocation of these remaining places will be made by applying criteria 2.1.i to 2.1.iv and 2.2.ii.View the official source
  • Statement of special educational needs. Separate Form 1 admissions process for children with a Statement of Special Educational Needs, operated by the Education Authority.Methodist College Belfast: Statement pupilsChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Methodist College Belfast.The source says: There is a separate Form 1 (Year 8) Admissions Process for children with a Statement of Special Educational Needs. This is operated by the Education Authority.View the official source
  • Waiting list. Separate Form 1 waiting list in original transfer rank order up to and including 14 May 2027; new Form 2 waiting list from 15 May 2027 with new Admissions Tests.Methodist College Belfast: Waiting listChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Methodist College Belfast.The source says: The Board of Governors operates a separate waiting list for Form 1 (Year 8). If a vacancy arises and is to be filled after the completion of the Transfer Procedure or during Form 1 (Year 8) the next child on the original transfer list rank order will be contacted up to and including the 14th May 2027.View the official source

The test

SEAG Entrance Assessment (the NI transfer test)
Test
SEAG Entrance Assessment (the NI transfer test)
Test date, 2027 entry
Saturday 14 November 2026

Methody relies entirely on the SEAG Entrance Assessment: two papers, English (or Irish) and mathsSEAG (Northern Ireland): the two test papersChecked 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, sat by P7 children on two Saturdays. For 2027 entry the first sitting is Saturday 14 November 2026SEAG (Northern Ireland): Paper1Checked 9 Oct 2026 against SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group).The source says: Saturday, 14th November 2026View the official source and the second Saturday 21 November 2026SEAG (Northern Ireland): Paper2Checked 9 Oct 2026 against SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group).The source says: Saturday, 21st November 2026View the official source. Pupils can sit at Methody itself or at any other SEAG centre; the choice of centre has no bearing on where they can apply.

Methody ranks on the three-digit total, the TSAS, and ignores the band. That total sits on a scale of 138 to 282, average 200SEAG (Northern Ireland): total score range (total standardised age score)Checked 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. Nobody needs to reach a set mark; as we read the 2026 rules: No minimum score stated; places allocated by rank order of TSAS and from a rank-ordered pool.Methodist College Belfast: Entrance threshold (2026)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Methodist College Belfast.The source says: The Board of Governors of Methodist College Belfast intends to apply academic criteria to the applications received and so will accept the Total Standardised Age Score (referred to herein as 'the score') awarded by the Schools' Entrance Assessment Group (referred to herein as 'SEAG') in the Entrance Assessment.View the official source

The Statement of Outcomes is released on Saturday 23 January 2027SEAG (Northern Ireland): OutcomesChecked 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; after that, families apply through the Online Post-Primary Transfer Application (with SEAG Statement of Outcomes uploaded)Methodist College Belfast: Application route (2026)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Methodist College Belfast.The source says: The child's unique pupil number and the score in the SEAG Entrance Assessment should be entered on the online Transfer Application. Parents/Guardians must also upload the Statement of Outcomes issued by SEAG with their child's online Transfer Application.View the official source. New to the system? Start with our SEAG transfer test guide, then results explained.

How the Northern Ireland test works

Open days

All this year's events have passed

  1. Done: Open night for pupils of P6 and P7 and their Parents/Guardians (passed)

    6.30pm – 9.00pm

  2. Done: Open night for pupils of P6 and P7 and their Parents/Guardians (passed)

    6.30pm – 9.00pm

Source: Methodist College Belfast, checked

If you are refused a place

Reviews, appeals and the waiting list

General information, not legal advice.

This is general information, not legal advice.

A refusal from Methody does not end your application. The EA simply moves on to the school you listed next, and so on down your list.

To challenge Methody's decision itself, families lodge the AT1 form, via the EA websiteNorthern Ireland: FormChecked 9 Oct 2026 against nidirect (NI Government).The source says: To appeal a school's decision that has refused your child a place, go to the EA website where you can send the appeal form (AT1 Form).View the official source. The panel is independent of the College, and whatever it decides is binding. Its question is narrow: were Methody's published criteria applied correctly to your child? It works from the paperwork the governors held when they made offers, which is one more reason to upload the special circumstances form and evidence on time.

For September 2027 entry the appeal deadline is 4pm, Thursday 20 May 2027Northern Ireland transfer: Appeal deadlineChecked 17 Oct 2026 against nidirect (NI Government).The source says: The deadline for receipt of appeal forms against Year 8 decisions by post-primary schools is Thursday 20 May 2027, no later than 4.00 pm.View the official source; the matching date in the 2026 round was 4pm on Thursday 21 May 2026Northern Ireland 2026 entry: Appeal deadlineChecked 9 Oct 2026 against nidirect (NI Government).The source says: The deadline for receipt of appeal forms against Year 8 decisions by post-primary schools is Thursday 21 May 2026, no later than 4.00 pm.View the official source.

Very occasionally a child's situation means only one school will do. That claim goes to a different body, the Exceptional Circumstances Body. Its tests: are the circumstances claimed exceptional; are they personal to the child; do they require admission to the named school, and only that schoolNorthern Ireland: Ecb testsChecked 9 Oct 2026 against nidirect (NI Government).The source says: are the circumstances that are claimed exceptional ... are the circumstances that are claimed personal to the child ... do the circumstances that are claimed require the child’s admission to the named school, and only that schoolView the official source.

Because Methody fills most places by score, think carefully about your other preferences. They matter as much as your first choice.

Official documents and sources

8 sources, each kept as an archived copy

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