31 May 2026 · SEAG Genius
What is the SEAG transfer test?
The SEAG transfer test (also referred to as the GL Assessment or grammar school transfer test) is an academic selection test taken by P7 pupils in Northern Ireland. It is used as part of the admissions process for grammar schools in the South Eastern Education and Library Board area.
The test is sat in November of Year P7 (the final year of primary school in Northern Ireland). Results are used by grammar schools alongside other criteria to determine admissions offers, which are made in February.
What does the SEAG test cover?
The SEAG transfer test consists of two papers — one English and one maths — both sat on the same day.
English paper
The English paper assesses:
- Reading comprehension — finding information directly stated in a passage
- Inference — drawing conclusions from what is implied in a passage
- Grammar — parts of speech, sentence structure, tense
- Spelling — identifying correct and incorrect spellings
- Vocabulary — word meanings, synonyms, antonyms, words in context
- Punctuation — correct use of punctuation marks
Maths paper
The maths paper assesses:
- Number and calculation — place value, operations, mental maths
- Fractions, decimals and percentages — conversions and calculations
- Measures — length, mass, capacity, time, area and perimeter
- Shape and geometry — properties of shapes, angles, coordinates
- Data and probability — reading graphs, charts, and basic probability
When is the SEAG transfer test?
The SEAG transfer test is typically sat in November of P7. Both papers are taken on the same day. Results are usually issued in January, with grammar school offer decisions following in February.
Registration deadlines vary year to year and are set by individual schools. Parents should check with their preferred grammar school for current registration arrangements.
How is the SEAG test marked and graded?
Children receive a standardised score for each paper. These scores are combined to produce an overall result. Grammar schools set their own selection criteria, typically applying a grade threshold — Grade A (highest), through to Grade D — and may use these grades alongside other factors such as catchment area or siblings at the school.
It is important to understand that achieving a Grade A does not guarantee a place at any particular grammar school — competition varies significantly between schools.
Is SEAG preparation necessary?
Preparation is not formally required, but the vast majority of children sitting the SEAG test do prepare for it. The test is above and beyond standard P7 curriculum content in terms of pace and some areas of difficulty.
Most families begin some form of preparation in P6 or early P7. The amount and intensity varies widely, but consistent, calm practice over several months tends to produce better outcomes than last-minute intensive revision.
How do parents support SEAG preparation?
Most successful SEAG preparation is parent-led at home. Tutors are used by some families, but many parents find that structured online practice — combined with a consistent routine and parental involvement — is equally effective and significantly more affordable.
SEAG Genius is built specifically for parent-led preparation at home. It gives children structured practice sets with instant marking and worked answers, and gives parents a clear dashboard showing progress, scores, and completed sessions — without requiring parents to have specialist knowledge of the test themselves.
