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Wellington College Belfast: Year 8 entry

18 Carolan Road, Belfast BT7 3HE

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 stated; rank order to 120.

    Checked, source: Wellington College Belfast, checked

  • Year 8 places

    120

    2026 entry, Published Admission Number ()

    Checked, source: Wellington College Belfast, checked

  • Lowest score offered

    188

    2026 entry, round not stated

    Checked, source: Wellington College Belfast, checked

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. Wellington 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Most Northern Ireland schools do not publish how far places reached.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.

Lowest score offered a place

Scores are on the aggregate score scale.

  1. 2026 entryRound not stated

    The lowest score offered a place was 188.

Source: Wellington College Belfast, checked

About these figures

Wellington publishes a short statement on where it became oversubscribed. For the 2026 round, the lowest TSAS admitted was 188ni-wellington-college-belfast-2026-tsas-1: ValueChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Wellington College Belfast.The source says: The College oversubscribed at a TSAS of 188 with 1 place remaining, 5 applicants had a TSAS of 188. ... Therefore the criterion was applied in rank order of feeder school, and the highest ranked applicant was selected.View the official source. The college's own summary: 2026: 173 applications for 120 places, filled in order of SEAG score. Oversubscribed at a score of 188: 5 applicants on 188 for the last place, decided by feeder-school ranking (all 5 were eldest/only children at feeder schools).Wellington College Belfast: Oversubscription statement2026Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Wellington College Belfast.The source says: Total number of applications considered: 173 ... Places were allocated in strict rank order of the scores, starting with the highest score and working in descending rank order, up to the admissions number of 120. ... The College oversubscribed at a TSAS of 188 with 1 place remaining, 5 applicants had a TSAS of 188. ... Therefore the criterion was applied in rank order of feeder school, and the highest ranked applicant was selected.View the official source

So in 2026 the tie-breaks did real work: every child on the tied score was an eldest or only child at a feeder school, and the feeder ranking decided who got the place.

Treat this number with care. It is past data published by the school, not a pass mark. It depends on how many children apply and how they score, so it moves every year. A child scoring above it next time is not certain of a place, and a child scoring below it is not ruled out.

Earlier years, as the school prints them (year, admissions number, applications counting all preferences, admissions):

At a glance

Wellington College Belfast in brief

tap a value for its source

Year 8 places
120Year 8 placesChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Wellington College Belfast.The source says: The number of places available in Year 8 is limited to the admissions number set by the Department of Education for Northern Ireland and is currently 120 places.View the official source2026 entry
The (PAN): how many children the school plans to admit.
Pupils
co-educationalPupilsChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Wellington College Belfast.The source says: Wellington College Belfast is a co-educational, non-denominational, controlled grammar school with an Enrolment Number of 770 and an Admission Number of 120.View 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

Timings from last year, for comparison: EA Transfer Application; punctual 27 January 2026 12 noon to 19 February 2026 12 noon; late to 4.00pm 24 February 2026.Wellington College Belfast: Application route (2026)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Wellington College Belfast.The source says: The application procedure opens on 27 January 2026 at 12 noon (GMT) and an application submitted by the closing date of 19 February 2026 at 12 noon (GMT) will be treated as a punctual application.View the official source Punctual applications considered before late; late = after 12 noon 19 February 2026 up to 4.00pm 24 February 2026.Wellington College Belfast: Late applicationsChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Wellington College Belfast.The source says: An application received after 12 noon (GMT) on 19 February 2026 and up to 4.00pm on 24 February 2026 will be treated as a late application.View the official source

How places are given

8 admission rules, in order, for 2026 entry

If more children qualify than there are places, Wellington 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

    1.1 NI residents before non-residents

    The policy's own words
    1.1 Children resident in Northern Ireland at the time of their proposed admission will be selected for
  2. 2

    1.2 Strict rank order of Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group () Total Standardised Age Score (TSAS) up to 120

    The policy's own words
    1.2 The Transfer Committee will consider children who have taken the Entrance Assessment administered by the
  3. 3

    1.3 Sibling (child of the family) currently enrolled

    The policy's own words
    1.3 Children who at the date of their application have a sibling, defined as a child of the family currently
  4. 4

    1.4 Eldest or only child eligible to transfer

    The policy's own words
    1.4 Children who are the are the eldest or only child of the family eligible to transfer to a mainstream Post-
  5. 5

    1.5 Entitled to Free School Meals

    The policy's own words
    1.5 Children who are entitled to Free School Meals.
  6. 6

    1.6 Registered at a recognised feeder primary, in feeder rank order

    The policy's own words
    1.6 Children who are registered at a Primary School which is a recognised Feeder School to the College.
  7. 7

    1.7 Tie-breaker: computer-based random ranking

    The policy's own words
    1.7 Tie-breaker.
  8. 8

    Remaining places: children without SEAG (NI-resident) using sub-criteria from 1.3

    The policy's own words
    If there are still places available after consideration of all the children who have taken the SEAG Entrance Assessment

Source: Wellington College Belfast, checked

More detail from our guide

This section follows Wellington's Admissions Criteria for entry September 2026Wellington College Belfast: Document title (2026)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Wellington College Belfast.The source says: Admissions Criteria for entry September 2026View the official source. It does not cover September 2027 entry: those criteria are Wellington College Belfast: Criteria published (2027)Not yet published by Wellington College Belfast; last checked 9 Oct 2026.The source says: Year 8 Admissions Criteria 2026-27 Important information for Year 8 college admissions criteria for entry in September 2026View the official source, and they may not match.

Northern Ireland residents were considered before anyone else. The college did not use the position you gave it on your list of preferences. Then places went by score until all were filled, with no minimum score.

When the last place, or places, fell between children on the same TSAS, these tie-breaks applied in turn:

Tie-break (September 2026 entry)What it meant
Brother or sister at the college1.3: a sibling, defined as a child of the family currently enrolled at the College (name and registration group on the application); 'child of the family' includes step, adopted, fostered children and e.g. an orphaned cousin.Wellington College Belfast: Sibling criterion (2026)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Wellington College Belfast.The source says: 1.3 Children who at the date of their application have a sibling, defined as a child of the family currently enrolled at the College (state name(s) and Registration Group(s) on the Transfer Application);View the official source
Eldest or only child1.4: eldest or only child of the family eligible to transfer to a mainstream post-primary school in NI; twins/multiples joint eldest; includes eldest child of a reconstituted family, eldest whose elder sibling was statemented/attended special school, or family relocated to NI; verifier letter required.Wellington College Belfast: Eldest child criterion (2026)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Wellington College Belfast.The source says: 1.4 Children who are the are the eldest or only child of the family eligible to transfer to a mainstream Post- Primary School in Northern Ireland (details to be supplied on the Transfer Application).View the official source
Free school mealsEntitlement counted as a tie-break. Reserved places: noWellington College Belfast: Fsme places (2026)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Wellington College Belfast.The source says: 1.5 Children who are entitled to Free School Meals. ‘Entitled to Free School Meals’ will mean applicants who are listed on the Education Authority register as entitled to Free School Meals at the date on which their parent or guardian has signed their post-primary Transfer Application, or at any date up to and including 24 February 2026.View the official source
Feeder primary school1.6: registered at a recognised feeder primary (any pupil transferred in the last 3 years), applied in rank order of feeder school by numbers sent; 59 schools listed in Note 1 with ranks 1.6.1-1.6.39=. Named schools: 1.6.1 Rosetta Primary School, 1.6.2 Lisnasharragh Primary School, 1.6.3 Holy Rosary Primary School, 1.6.4 Cairnshill Integrated Primary School, 1.6.5 St Joseph’s Primary School (Carryduff), 1.6.6= Carryduff Primary School, 1.6.6= Knockbreda Primary School, 1.6.8= Millennium Integrated Primary School, 1.6.8= Nettlefield Primary School, 1.6.8= St Bernard’s Primary School, 1.6.11 Harding Memorial Integrated Primary School, 1.6.12= Strandtown Primary School, 1.6.12= St Michael’s Primary School, 1.6.12= St Ita’s Primary School, 1.6.12= Cregagh Primary School, 1.6.16 Belvoir Park Primary School, 1.6.17= St Bride’s Primary School, 1.6.17= Botanic Primary School, 1.6.19 Forge Integrated Primary School, 1.6.20 Stranmillis Primary School, 1.6.21= Braniel Primary School, 1.6.21= Orangefield Primary School, 1.6.21= Spa Primary School, 1.6.24 Academy Primary School, 1.6.25= Gilnahirk Primary School, 1.6.25= Drumlins Integrated Primary School, 1.6.25= Elmgrove Primary School, 1.6.28= Leadhill Primary School, 1.6.28= Ballynahinch Primary School, 1.6.28= Dundonald Primary School, 1.6.28= Anahilt Primary School, 1.6.28= Carr Primary School (Lisburn), 1.6.33= Cranmore Integrated Primary School, 1.6.33= Killyleagh Primary School, 1.6.33= Euston Street Primary School, 1.6.33= St Matthew’s Primary School, 1.6.33= Loughview Integrated Primary School, 1.6.33= St Joseph’s Primary School (Holland Drive), 1.6.39= Brooklands Primary School, 1.6.39= Finaghy Primary School, 1.6.39= Oakwood Primary School, 1.6.39= St Malachy’s Primary School, 1.6.39= All Children’s Integrated Primary School, 1.6.39= Ballymacash Primary School (Lisburn), 1.6.39= Carrickmannon Primary School (Newtownards), 1.6.39= Donegall Road Primary School, 1.6.39= Downpatrick Primary School, 1.6.39= Dunmurry Primary School, 1.6.39= Killinchy Primary School, 1.6.39= Scoil An Droichid, 1.6.39= St Colmcille’s Primary School (Downpatrick), 1.6.39= St Paul’s Primary School, 1.6.39= Blythefield Primary School, 1.6.39= Comber Primary School, 1.6.39= Lisburn Primary School, 1.6.39= St Anne’s Primary School, 1.6.39= St Oliver Plunkett Primary School, 1.6.39= St Patrick’s Primary School (Ballynahinch), 1.6.39= Victoria Park Primary SchoolWellington College Belfast: Feeder criterion (2026)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Wellington College Belfast.The source says: 1.6 Children who are registered at a Primary School which is a recognised Feeder School to the College. A recognised Feeder School is one from which any pupils (including statemented children) have transferred to Wellington College Belfast in the most recent 3 years.View the official source
Final stepComputer program generates a ranking number from the Transfer Application data as seed for a random number generator; lowest numbers given places.Wellington College Belfast: Final tie break (2026)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Wellington College Belfast.The source says: Children will be ranked for acceptance on the basis of a computer-based process which will make use of the data as entered on the Transfer Application.View the official source

The feeder rule is unusual. Wellington does not treat all its feeder primaries the same. It ranks them by how many pupils each has sent to the college in recent years, so a child from a higher-ranked primary goes ahead of one from a lower-ranked primary. The full ranked list is in the table above.

Special circumstances and children without a score

Illness or other serious problems around the test are handled by the school you apply to, not by SEAG. At Wellington in 2026: Form SC (and/or SP) from the College uploaded with documentary evidence to the Transfer Application; decided before criteria are applied; Transfer Committee assigns an equivalent TSAS. SC cannot be claimed for the same reason as Access Arrangements.Wellington College Belfast: Special circumstances (2026)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Wellington College Belfast.The source says: Parents/Guardians who wish to apply to the College under Special Circumstances should complete Form SC obtainable from the College, stating the precise reason why they believe the child should be considered for Special Circumstances.View the official source If your child already had access arrangements for the test, check that rule carefully before making a claim.

A child with no SEAG result was only considered after everyone with a score: Considered only if places remain after all TSAS holders (and SC/SP assigned scores); if NI-resident, allocated using the sub-criteria from 1.3 in order.Wellington College Belfast: Applicants without result (2026)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Wellington College Belfast.The source says: the College will consider for admission any children who have not taken the SEAG Entrance Assessment. Such children, if they satisfy Criterion 1.1, will be allocated to the remaining place(s) up to the College’s Admissions Number using the sub-criteria listed in section 1.3 in the order set out.View the official source

Waiting list

Unsuccessful Year 8 applicants automatically added; waiting list in place until 30 June 2027; published criteria applied to vacancies.Wellington College Belfast: Waiting listChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Wellington College Belfast.The source says: All applications for admission to Year 8 that were unsuccessful in obtaining a place in the College will be automatically added to the waiting list. ... The Year 8 waiting list will be in place until 30 June 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

Wellington has no entrance paper of its own. It relies on the SEAG Entrance Assessment, which is 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. From the Statement of Outcomes it takes the Total Standardised Age Score, the number 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. Last year's rule: Strict rank order of SEAG Total Standardised Age Score (TSAS), highest first.Wellington College Belfast: Selection metric (2026)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Wellington College Belfast.The source says: The Board of Governors will use the Total Standardised Age Score (TSAS) as awarded by SEAG to a pupil in the Entrance AssessmentView the official source

Bands did not come into it. Two children in the same band could end up on different sides of the line by a single point.

Our SEAG transfer test guide explains the format, and results explained walks through the TSAS.

How the Northern Ireland test works

Open days

All this year's events have passed

  1. Done: Open Day (passed)

Source: Wellington 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.

If Wellington cannot offer a place, the Education Authority moves to your next preference. Parents choose from schools that still have places and are told how to appeal.Northern Ireland: No place routeChecked 9 Oct 2026 against nidirect (NI Government).The source says: If your child doesn’t get a place in any of their school preferences, you will be asked to choose from other schools that still have places. You will also be advised of how to appeal a decision about a school place.View the official source

You can also appeal. An independent admissions appeal tribunal set up by the EA; its decisions are binding.Northern Ireland: BodyChecked 9 Oct 2026 against nidirect (NI Government).The source says: If you think that a school has not applied, or not correctly applied its admissions criteria, you have the right of appeal to an independent tribunal. These tribunals are set up by the EA and their decisions are binding.View the official source Use 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 tribunal checks one thing: The school did not apply, or did not correctly apply, its admissions criteria.Northern Ireland: GroundsChecked 9 Oct 2026 against nidirect (NI Government).The source says: You can appeal if you think the school did not apply their admissions criteria or did not apply them correctly.View the official source At a score-ranked school with ranked feeder primaries, it is worth checking the TSAS recorded and every tie-break fact on your form, including the name of your child's primary school.

The deadline for 2027 entry 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. Last year's 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.

Official documents and sources

4 sources, each kept as an archived copy

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