The Northern Ireland Transfer Test: Complete Guide for P7 Families

What Is the Northern Ireland Transfer Test?

The Northern Ireland transfer test, commonly called the SEAG test or the GL Assessment, is a selective academic examination sat by P7 pupils (typically aged 10–11) who wish to apply for a grammar school place. It is administered by the South Eastern Area Grammar Schools (SEAG) consortium and uses papers produced by GL Assessment.

The test is used by grammar schools across Northern Ireland to select pupils for Year 8 entry. A strong performance significantly improves a pupil's chances of receiving a grammar school offer.

When Is the Transfer Test?

The SEAG transfer test is sat in November of P7 year. For pupils entering P7 in September 2026, the test is expected to take place in November 2026. Registration for the test typically opens in September of P7 year through the school.

This means most families begin serious preparation in P6, giving pupils 12–18 months of structured practice time before the exam.

What Is the Format of the SEAG Transfer Test?

The SEAG paper consists of:

• An unscored warm-up section at the start to settle pupils into the exam
• 44 multiple choice questions (options A–E, plus N for "none of the above" in some sections)
• 12 written free-response questions requiring a written answer (not multiple choice)
• A total time allowance of 60 minutes

The 56 scored questions cover both English and Mathematics. The test is sat under timed, exam-style conditions.

What Topics Are Covered?

English Topics

• Comprehension: reading passages and answering questions on meaning, inference and vocabulary
• Spelling and Punctuation: identifying errors and selecting correct forms
• Grammar: word types, sentence structure, verb tenses
• Cloze Passages: selecting the correct word to complete a sentence in context
• Synonyms and Antonyms: identifying words with similar or opposite meanings

Mathematics Topics

• Number: place value, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio
• Algebra: number patterns, sequences, simple equations
• Measurement: length, area, volume, time, money
• Geometry: shapes, angles, symmetry, coordinates
• Data Handling: charts, tables, averages, probability

How Is the Transfer Test Scored?

The SEAG uses standardised age scores. Raw marks are converted to a standardised score that accounts for a pupil's age at the time of sitting, so a younger P7 pupil is not disadvantaged compared to an older classmate. Scores are typically reported on a scale where the average is 100.

Grammar schools set their own minimum score thresholds for admission, which can vary from year to year depending on the number of applicants and available places.

How to Prepare for the Northern Ireland Transfer Test

Effective preparation for the SEAG transfer test combines three elements:

1. Learn the Topics Systematically

Don't just practise. Understand. Start with guided lessons for each topic area so your child knows why an answer is correct, not just that it is. This is especially important for Maths topics like Algebra and Data Handling, and for English comprehension inference questions.

2. Practise Under Timed, Exam Conditions

The 60-minute time limit is one of the biggest challenges. Regular timed practice under exam-style conditions helps pupils build stamina, manage their pace, and become familiar with the question format before the real thing.

3. Review Every Mistake

A wrong answer is only useful if it's understood. Reviewing incorrect answers, with a clear explanation of why the right answer is correct, is the most efficient way to improve. Simply repeating practice papers without review leads to slower progress.

When to Start Preparing

Most families begin preparation in P6 (one to two years before the test). Starting early allows for a steady, lower-pressure approach rather than intensive cramming in the final weeks of P7. Even 20–30 minutes of focused practice three or four times a week makes a significant difference over 12 months.

How SEAG Success Helps

SEAG Success is an online preparation platform built specifically for the Northern Ireland transfer test by NI-based teachers. It provides:

• Guided topic lessons covering all 10 SEAG topic areas across English and Maths
• Full SEAG practice papers in the exact format: 56 questions (44 MC + 12 written), 60 minutes, warm-up included
• Detailed answer explanations for every question
• Parent dashboard showing progress, scores, strengths and weak areas
• XP and badges to keep pupils motivated

A 7-day free trial gives full access, no payment card required. Monthly and annual plans are available from £14.99/month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the transfer test compulsory?

No. The transfer test is optional. It is only required for pupils who wish to apply for a grammar school place. Pupils who do not sit the test can still transfer to a non-selective post-primary school.

Is there still an AQE transfer test?

No. From the 2024/25 test year, all grammar schools in Northern Ireland use a single transfer test run by SEAG (using GL Assessment). The old AQE test no longer exists. This means your child only sits one test and the result is accepted by all 63 grammar schools.

Can P6 pupils sit the transfer test?

The SEAG transfer test is sat in P7, not P6. However, beginning preparation in P6 is strongly recommended to allow sufficient time for thorough topic coverage and practice.

How many practice papers should my child do?

There is no fixed answer, but consistent regular practice is more effective than intensive short bursts. Aim for at least one full timed paper per week in the months leading up to the test, alongside shorter topic-focused practice sessions.

Does SEAG Success cover the written free-response questions?

Yes. Our papers include the 12 written free-response questions in the correct format. These answers are submitted and reviewed as part of each practice paper.