Checklist
31 May 2026 · SEAG Genius
SEAG preparation involves more than just practice questions. From registration deadlines to exam-day logistics, there are practical steps that are easy to overlook in the rush of daily preparation. This checklist covers everything Northern Ireland families need to manage between now and the November transfer test.
6+ months before the test
- Research which grammar schools you are interested in and check their individual admissions criteria and registration deadlines.
- Talk to your child about what the transfer test is and why they might want to work towards it — frame it positively and without pressure.
- Assess your child's current level with a set of free sample questions across maths and English.
- Identify weak areas (e.g. fractions, inference) and note them for targeted practice.
- Set up a simple revision routine — even 15 minutes per day, 4 days per week, is a meaningful start.
- Acquire appropriate practice materials. Free resources, SEAG Genius, or reputable workbooks all work — the key is consistency.
3–6 months before the test
- Ensure your child has covered all key maths topics: number, fractions, decimals, percentages, measures, shape, data.
- Ensure your child has covered all key English topics: comprehension, inference, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, punctuation.
- Review worked answers after every practice session — identify error patterns, not just individual mistakes.
- Introduce timed practice. Use a timer for sessions and encourage your child to work without stopping.
- Check in with your child's mood around practice. Frustration or anxiety are signals to slow down, not speed up.
- Begin introducing mixed question sets alongside topic-focused practice.
1–3 months before the test
- Register for the SEAG test at your chosen grammar school(s) before the deadline.
- Introduce 1–2 full-length practice papers per week under timed, exam-style conditions.
- Keep daily short practice sessions running alongside full papers — do not replace one with the other.
- Focus on exam technique: reading questions carefully, managing time, checking answers.
- Reduce new material. The final weeks are for consolidation and confidence, not learning new topics.
- Ensure your child knows the format well enough that no aspect of the test day comes as a surprise.
Final week before the test
- Do light, short practice sessions only (15 minutes maximum). No intensive revision in the final 3–4 days.
- Confirm the test date, time, and location. Ensure your child knows what to expect on the day.
- Prepare everything practical in advance: pencil case, water bottle, snack, how they are getting there.
- Have a calm, early night before the test. Sleep matters more than any last-minute revision.
- Keep the morning of the test calm and unhurried. Eat a good breakfast. Leave in plenty of time.
After the test
- Do not ask for a detailed debrief immediately — let your child decompress first.
- Acknowledge the effort your child put in, regardless of how they feel it went.
- Results typically arrive in January. Keep perspective: the SEAG result is one factor in secondary school placement, not the only one.
- Be prepared for a range of outcomes and have a plan B — knowing you have options reduces anxiety for everyone.
Using SEAG Genius as part of your checklist
SEAG Genius covers the daily practice portion of this checklist — structured question sets, instant marking, worked answers, and a parent dashboard that shows completed sessions, scores, and trends over time.
One-time access for £49.99. No subscription. Start today with free sample questions.
