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Northern Ireland Transfer Test (SEAG): format, schools and practice papers
A plain summary of how the Northern Ireland Transfer Test (SEAG) works and how to prepare for it. Each detail says whether it is published by the organisers, reported by other sources, or not published at all. We last checked these details in November 2026.
What the test involves
Subjects: maths and English.
- Published
- SEAG’s Entrance Assessment is the single transfer test for the selective post-primary schools in Northern Ireland (63 member schools, as SEAG reports). P7 pupils sit two papers in the same format on two Saturdays in November; for the 2026 sitting, 14 and 21 November 2026.
- Published
- Each paper has a short practice section (5 English and 5 maths questions, not timed or scored), then 56 questions in 60 minutes: English (questions 1–28) and maths (questions 29–56), under one time limit.
- Reported
- English covers punctuation, grammar and spelling (with an N option for “no mistake”), then a reading passage with multiple-choice and written answers. Maths is on the Northern Ireland Key Stage 2 curriculum, mostly multiple choice with some written answers. Answers go on a separate sheet, marked with a horizontal line through a box. No calculator.
- Published
- Results are age-standardised scores for English, maths and a total, with a percentile; SEAG issues no grades and each school sets its own criteria.
- Not published
- The exact mix of question types in each section and their difficulty. SEAG has released practice papers and a parents’ guide (Reported): use them as well.
How to prepare
- Practise filling in a separate answer sheet, so marking the right box becomes automatic and no time is lost on test day.
- Practise writing answers in full, showing working in maths and using evidence from the text in English: marks are given for method and explanation, not just the final answer.
- Sit full mock tests under timed conditions only every week or two, and spend the time in between on the question types that cost marks.
Practice papers for the Northern Ireland Transfer Test (SEAG)
Every question is original, written to the same types and level as the published format. Each option has a free sample, so you can check it suits your child first.
Four full mock tests for P6 and P7 pupils, each with a practice section and a 56-question English and maths paper set out like the SEAG Entrance Assessment, based on the published format, with answer sheets, explanations and a parent guide.
Four more full mock tests in the same format as Set 1, with new questions throughout, answer sheets, answers and the parent guide.
A revision handbook for the Northern Ireland Transfer Test (SEAG): 53 lessons teaching the methods for maths and English, with worked examples, practice questions, must-know lists and a 12-week plan.
Everything for this test in one download: Set 1 and Set 2 (eight full mock tests) and the revision handbook. £39.97 if bought separately.
Questions parents ask
What does the Northern Ireland Transfer Test (SEAG) test?
It covers maths and English. SEAG’s Entrance Assessment is the single transfer test for the selective post-primary schools in Northern Ireland (63 member schools, as SEAG reports). P7 pupils sit two papers in the same format on two Saturdays in November; for the 2026 sitting, 14 and 21 November 2026.
Are these the real Northern Ireland Transfer Test (SEAG) papers?
No. Our papers are original and set out like the published format. SEAG is reported to publish free practice papers and a parents’ guide: use those too, and ours for extra practice.
Where do I check dates and registration?
Always check with SEAG’s website and familiarisation material, and each school’s admissions criteria. Dates and arrangements change from year to year.
Helpful guides
- The Northern Ireland transfer test: a guide for parents
- When should my child start preparing for the 11+?
- What is verbal reasoning in the 11+?
- How to use 11+ mock tests well
- A balanced Year 5 summer 11+ revision plan
No practice material can promise a pass or a place. Places depend on scores, the school's rules and often distance.