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The SEAG transfer test: papers, dates and results explained

One assessment, two Saturdays, 63 schools. What is in the SEAG papers, the 2026 dates, how the scores and bands work, and how to prepare.

Written by the Brainhub Editorial Team Cites published research Updated 31 Oct 2026 6 min read

Key takeaways

1. What SEAG is

SEAG, the Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group, is a not-for-profit company independent of the Department of Education and the Education Authority. It runs one Entrance Assessment for the 63 post-primary schools in Northern Ireland that use academic selection for Year 8 entry. GL Assessment sets and marks the papers.[1]

For 14 years before SEAG, P7 pupils could face two different tests on four Saturdays. SEAG replaced that with one assessment over two Saturdays in November.[5]

The 2026 assessment is for children in their last year of primary school who move to Year 8 in September 2027, usually those born between 2 July 2015 and 1 July 2016.[1]

2. The two papers

Each paper has 28 English questions (or Gaeilge, for Irish-medium pupils) and 28 maths questions, answered in a 60-minute test. Across both papers that is 56 English and 56 maths questions. Answers go on a separate answer sheet.[3]

Each paper starts with a short, untimed practice section of 5 English and 5 maths questions. It does not count towards the result. It is there so children get used to the answer sheet.[3]

English covers comprehension, spelling and punctuation, grammar and vocabulary. Maths covers number, measures, shape and space, money, probability and data. The content is based on the Northern Ireland key stage 2 curriculum.[3]

Paper 1
Paper 2
Date in 2026
Saturday 14 November
Saturday 21 November
Questions
28 English, 28 maths
28 English, 28 maths
Main test time
60 minutes
60 minutes

A spare date: Saturday 28 November 2026 is the contingency date, in case a test has to be moved.

3. Registration

Parents register, not schools. Registration for the 2026 assessment ran from 18 May to 18 September 2026 and has now closed. It costs £20, and pupils entitled to free school meals are exempt with evidence. A late window, where offered, costs £50.[1]

Registration has two steps: a parent account, then a pupil application. An application that is started but not submitted does not count.[2]

4. Results and what the scores mean

Results are planned for Saturday 23 January 2027. Parents see them online as a Statement of Outcomes in their SEAG account.[1]

The statement gives a total standardised age score from 138 to 282, with an average of 200, plus separate English and maths scores from 69 to 141, each averaging 100. It also gives one of six bands. Band 1 is the top 40% of pupils, and Bands 2 to 5 are 10% each.[1]

A child who sits only one paper receives an estimated outcome. Each school sets its own admissions criteria, so check how the schools you are applying to use the results.[1]

Result
Range
Average
Total standardised age score
138 to 282
200
English score
69 to 141
100
Maths score
69 to 141
100

5. How to prepare

Start with SEAG’s own free practice papers, available in English and Gaeilge with answer sheets, and its parents’ guide. SEAG says it does not sell or endorse any other materials.[4]

Practise filling in an answer sheet neatly, then build stamina: 56 questions in an hour means steady pace. Mark each practice paper together and spend most of the time on the questions your child got wrong.

Keep reading every day and keep mental maths quick. Comprehension and vocabulary carry a lot of the English marks, and number fluency saves time across the maths questions.

Practise the answer sheet, not just the questions.

6. How Brainhub can help

Brainhub teaches one-to-one lessons live online across the UK, including English and maths at the level SEAG tests. A tutor can work through the official practice papers with your child and target the weak spots. Every family starts with a free 45-minute assessment.

Try it now

Test yourself on this page

Answer in your head first, then check.

  1. 1. How many questions are in each SEAG paper?

  2. 2. When are the 2026 SEAG papers?

  3. 3. When are results due?

Your next steps

  • Download SEAG’s free practice papers and parents’ guide.
  • Try one paper in the real time limit, using the answer sheet.
  • Book a free 45-minute assessment to find the gaps.

Sources

  1. SEAG. Get answers: frequently asked questions. seagni.co.uk/guidance/faqs
  2. SEAG. Last days to register pupils for the 2026 SEAG Entrance Assessment. seagni.co.uk/latest-news/last-days-to-register-pupils-for-the-2026-seag-entrance-assessment
  3. SEAG. Assessment guide. seagni.co.uk/guidance/assessment-guide
  4. SEAG. Practice materials. seagni.co.uk/guidance/practice-materials
  5. SEAG. What we do. seagni.co.uk/about-us/what-we-do

This guide is general study advice. Every student is different. A teacher can help you work out what fits.