Northern Ireland Grammar School Directory
Northern Ireland Grammar SchoolsComplete Transfer Test Guide.
Complete guide to all grammar schools across Northern Ireland. The SEAG Transfer Test, school details by county, Year 8 entry requirements, and preparation advice.
66
Grammar Schools
Yr 8
Entry Point
2
SEAG Papers
SEAG
Unified Test
About the NI Transfer Test
One Unified SEAG Test
Northern Ireland has approximately 66 grammar schools across all six counties plus Belfast. Unlike England, NI uses Year 8 entry (equivalent to Year 7 in England). Since 2023, all grammar schools use the single unified SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group) test, replacing the former separate AQE and GL Assessment tests.
The SEAG test consists of 2 papers sat over 2 consecutive Saturdays in November, each 60 minutes long with 56 questions (28 English + 28 Maths). Questions are a mix of multiple-choice and free-response/written. Scores are age-standardised into a Total Standardised Age Score (TSAS) ranging from 138 to 282, with a mean of 200.
NI grammar schools are broadly divided between Catholic maintained (managed under Catholic trusteeship) and controlled/voluntary (broadly non-denominational) schools, plus a small number of integrated schools with grammar streams. The transfer test is unregulated — it is organised by the grammar schools themselves, not the NI government.
Exam Board
SEAG Unified Test
- 66 Grammar Schools
- Yr 8 Entry Point
- 2 SEAG Papers
2027 entry · verified August 2026
The SEAG assessment — what replaced AQE and GL
Northern Ireland's transfer test has changed. The old AQE and PPTC/GL assessments have been replaced by a single SEAG Entrance Assessment, used by the 63 selective and partially selective post-primary schools. A child now sits one common assessment rather than choosing between boards.
Registration
18 May – 18 Sept 2026
A long window, closing just before the assessments.
Paper 1
14 Nov 2026
Saturday.
Paper 2
21 Nov 2026
The following Saturday.
Results
Jan 2027
Later than the rest of the UK — the NI timetable runs on its own calendar.
Registration fee
£20
Non-refundable. Families entitled to Free School Meals are exempt.
Schools
63
Selective and partially selective post-primary schools use the SEAG assessment.
Test Structure
The SEAG Transfer Test
All NI grammar schools now use the unified SEAG test. Two papers sat over two consecutive Saturdays in November, covering the NI Key Stage 2 curriculum in English and Mathematics.
Paper 1
Saturday 1 — 60 Minutes
28 English + 28 Maths questions
22 multiple-choice + 6 written per subject
10 practice questions (unscored)
Paper 2
Saturday 2 — 60 Minutes
28 English + 28 Maths questions
22 multiple-choice + 6 written per subject
10 practice questions (unscored)
TSAS Range
138–282
Mean Score
200
Fee
~£50
School Directory
Northern Ireland Grammar Schools
Major grammar schools across Northern Ireland grouped by county. Includes approximate Year 8 intake numbers, school type, and key information for transfer test families.
Belfast
10 SchoolsMethodist College Belfast (Methody)
The largest grammar school in Northern Ireland with approximately 240 Year 8 places. Methodist foundation, non-denominational admissions. One of the most competitive schools with a TSAS threshold of approximately 212. Founded in 1868, located on the Malone Road in South Belfast.
- Location
- Malone Road, Belfast
- Year 8 Places
- ~240 places
- TSAS Threshold
- ~212
Belfast Royal Academy
One of the oldest schools in Ireland, founded in 1785. Co-educational voluntary grammar with approximately 200 Year 8 places. Non-denominational, located on the Cliftonville Road in North Belfast.
- Location
- Cliftonville Road, Belfast
- Year 8 Places
- ~200 places
- Test
- SEAG Transfer Test
Royal Belfast Academical Institution (RBAI)
Founded in 1810, known locally as "Inst." A prestigious boys' voluntary grammar with approximately 150 Year 8 places. Non-denominational, located at College Square East in Belfast city centre.
- Location
- College Square East, Belfast
- Year 8 Places
- ~150 places
- Test
- SEAG Transfer Test
Campbell College
A boys' voluntary grammar with boarding provision — one of very few NI grammar schools offering boarding. Approximately 130 Year 8 places. Non-denominational, located on the Belmont Road in East Belfast.
- Location
- Belmont Road, Belfast
- Year 8 Places
- ~130 places
- Test
- SEAG Transfer Test
Strathearn School
A highly-ranked girls' voluntary grammar with approximately 120 Year 8 places. Non-denominational. Ranked among the top-performing schools in Northern Ireland in recent years. Located in East Belfast.
- Location
- East Belfast
- Year 8 Places
- ~120 places
- Test
- SEAG Transfer Test
Grosvenor Grammar School
A co-educational controlled grammar with approximately 175 Year 8 places. TSAS threshold approximately 205. Located in South Belfast. Non-denominational.
- Location
- South Belfast
- Year 8 Places
- ~175 places
- TSAS Threshold
- ~205
Our Lady and St Patrick's College (Knock)
A large Catholic co-educational grammar with approximately 190 Year 8 places. One of the highest TSAS thresholds in NI at approximately 223. Located in East Belfast. Catholic maintained.
- Location
- East Belfast
- Year 8 Places
- ~190 places
- TSAS Threshold
- ~223
Rathmore Grammar School
A Catholic co-educational grammar with approximately 180 Year 8 places. TSAS threshold approximately 200. Located in Dunmurry, South Belfast.
- Location
- Dunmurry, Belfast
- Year 8 Places
- ~180 places
- TSAS Threshold
- ~200
St Mary's Christian Brothers' Grammar
A Catholic boys' grammar with approximately 175 Year 8 places. Located on the Glen Road in West Belfast. Catholic maintained, strong sporting tradition.
- Location
- Glen Road, West Belfast
- Year 8 Places
- ~175 places
- Test
- SEAG Transfer Test
St Dominic's Grammar School
A Catholic girls' grammar with approximately 141 Year 8 places. Located on the Falls Road, West Belfast. Catholic maintained.
- Location
- Falls Road, Belfast
- Year 8 Places
- ~141 places
- Test
- SEAG Transfer Test
County Antrim
6 SchoolsFriends' School Lisburn
A voluntary grammar with Quaker foundation and approximately 165 Year 8 places. One of the most competitive schools in NI with a TSAS threshold of approximately 214–216. Non-denominational admissions. Located in Lisburn.
- Location
- Lisburn
- Year 8 Places
- ~165 places
- TSAS Threshold
- ~214–216
The Wallace High School
A co-educational voluntary grammar with approximately 170 Year 8 places. TSAS threshold approximately 203–204. Non-denominational. Located in Lisburn.
- Location
- Lisburn
- Year 8 Places
- ~170 places
- TSAS Threshold
- ~203–204
Ballymena Academy
A co-educational voluntary grammar founded in 1828 with approximately 176 Year 8 places. Non-denominational. Located in Ballymena, one of the largest grammar schools in County Antrim.
- Location
- Ballymena
- Year 8 Places
- ~176 places
- Test
- SEAG Transfer Test
Ballyclare High School
A large co-educational controlled grammar with approximately 186 Year 8 places. Non-denominational. Located in Ballyclare.
- Location
- Ballyclare
- Year 8 Places
- ~186 places
- Test
- SEAG Transfer Test
Dalriada School
A co-educational voluntary grammar with approximately 125 Year 8 places. TSAS threshold approximately 197. Non-denominational. Located in Ballymoney.
- Location
- Ballymoney
- Year 8 Places
- ~125 places
- TSAS Threshold
- ~197
St Louis Grammar School, Ballymena
A Catholic co-educational grammar with approximately 139 Year 8 places. TSAS threshold approximately 196. Catholic maintained. Located in Ballymena.
- Location
- Ballymena
- Year 8 Places
- ~139 places
- TSAS Threshold
- ~196
County Down
6 SchoolsSullivan Upper School
A co-educational voluntary grammar with approximately 150 Year 8 places. Very competitive with a TSAS threshold of approximately 212. Non-denominational. Located in Holywood.
- Location
- Holywood
- Year 8 Places
- ~150 places
- TSAS Threshold
- ~212
Regent House School
One of the largest grammar schools in NI with approximately 210 Year 8 places. Co-educational controlled grammar. Non-denominational. Located in Newtownards.
- Location
- Newtownards
- Year 8 Places
- ~210 places
- Test
- SEAG Transfer Test
Bangor Grammar School
A boys' voluntary grammar with approximately 135 Year 8 places. Non-denominational. Located in Bangor, County Down.
- Location
- Bangor
- Year 8 Places
- ~135 places
- Test
- SEAG Transfer Test
Banbridge Academy
A co-educational controlled grammar with approximately 192 Year 8 places. TSAS threshold approximately 204. Non-denominational. Located in Banbridge.
- Location
- Banbridge
- Year 8 Places
- ~192 places
- TSAS Threshold
- ~204
Abbey Christian Brothers' Grammar School
A Catholic boys' grammar with approximately 125 Year 8 places. Catholic maintained. Located in Newry, County Down.
- Location
- Newry
- Year 8 Places
- ~125 places
- Test
- SEAG Transfer Test
Assumption Grammar School
A Catholic girls' grammar with approximately 130 Year 8 places. Catholic maintained. Located in Ballynahinch, County Down.
- Location
- Ballynahinch
- Year 8 Places
- ~130 places
- Test
- SEAG Transfer Test
County Armagh
2 SchoolsThe Royal School, Armagh
A co-educational voluntary grammar and one of the historic Royal Schools, with approximately 100 Year 8 places. TSAS threshold approximately 203. Non-denominational. Located in Armagh city.
- Location
- Armagh
- Year 8 Places
- ~100 places
- TSAS Threshold
- ~203
St Patrick's Grammar School, Armagh
A Catholic co-educational grammar with approximately 130 Year 8 places. Catholic maintained. Located in Armagh city.
- Location
- Armagh
- Year 8 Places
- ~130 places
- Test
- SEAG Transfer Test
County Tyrone
4 SchoolsRoyal School Dungannon
A co-educational voluntary grammar and one of the historic Royal Schools, with boarding provision and approximately 100 Year 8 places. Non-denominational. Located in Dungannon.
- Location
- Dungannon
- Year 8 Places
- ~100 places
- Test
- SEAG Transfer Test
St Patrick's Academy, Dungannon
A large Catholic co-educational grammar with approximately 189 Year 8 places. TSAS threshold approximately 181 — one of the more accessible grammar schools. Catholic maintained. Located in Dungannon.
- Location
- Dungannon
- Year 8 Places
- ~189 places
- TSAS Threshold
- ~181
Omagh Academy
A co-educational controlled grammar with approximately 96 Year 8 places. Non-denominational. Located in Omagh.
- Location
- Omagh
- Year 8 Places
- ~96 places
- Test
- SEAG Transfer Test
Christian Brothers' Grammar School, Omagh
A Catholic boys' grammar with approximately 135 Year 8 places. Catholic maintained. Located in Omagh.
- Location
- Omagh
- Year 8 Places
- ~135 places
- Test
- SEAG Transfer Test
County Londonderry / Derry
4 SchoolsLumen Christi College
A Catholic co-educational grammar with approximately 120 Year 8 places. One of the top-performing schools in NI with a very high TSAS threshold of approximately 211. Catholic maintained. Located in Derry city.
- Location
- Derry / Londonderry
- Year 8 Places
- ~120 places
- TSAS Threshold
- ~211
Foyle College
A co-educational voluntary grammar with approximately 126 Year 8 places. TSAS threshold approximately 197. Non-denominational. Located in Derry city.
- Location
- Derry / Londonderry
- Year 8 Places
- ~126 places
- TSAS Threshold
- ~197
Coleraine Grammar School
A co-educational voluntary grammar formed in 2015 from the merger of Coleraine Academical Institution and Coleraine High School. Approximately 156 Year 8 places. Non-denominational. Located in Coleraine.
- Location
- Coleraine
- Year 8 Places
- ~156 places
- Test
- SEAG Transfer Test
St Mary's Grammar School, Magherafelt
A Catholic co-educational grammar with approximately 153 Year 8 places. TSAS threshold approximately 200. Catholic maintained. Located in Magherafelt.
- Location
- Magherafelt
- Year 8 Places
- ~153 places
- TSAS Threshold
- ~200
County Fermanagh
3 SchoolsEnniskillen Royal Grammar School
Formed in 2016 from the merger of Portora Royal School and Enniskillen Collegiate Grammar. A co-educational voluntary grammar with approximately 131 Year 8 places. Non-denominational. Located in Enniskillen.
- Location
- Enniskillen
- Year 8 Places
- ~131 places
- Test
- SEAG Transfer Test
Mount Lourdes Grammar School
A Catholic girls' grammar with approximately 96 Year 8 places. Catholic maintained. Located in Enniskillen.
- Location
- Enniskillen
- Year 8 Places
- ~96 places
- Test
- SEAG Transfer Test
St Michael's College, Enniskillen
A Catholic boys' grammar with approximately 100 Year 8 places. Catholic maintained. Located in Enniskillen.
- Location
- Enniskillen
- Year 8 Places
- ~100 places
- Test
- SEAG Transfer Test
How SEAG scoring works · verified August 2026
Reading your child's Statement of Outcomes
SEAG does not report a raw mark or a pass. Parents get a Statement of Outcomes carrying several numbers at once, and schools use them differently — which is why two children with the same total can end up at different schools. Here is what each figure means.
Total Standardised Age Score
138–282
The TSAS is the headline figure, with a mean of 200. It combines both papers and adjusts for your child's age on the day.
English or Gaeilge SAS
69–141
Reported separately, mean 100.
Maths SAS
69–141
Reported separately, mean 100.
Band
1–6
Schools admit by band rather than by raw position, so the band matters more than the exact score.
Percentile
Cohort ranking
Where your child sits against everyone who sat the assessment that year.
Statement of Outcomes
23 Jan 2027
Released to parents — later than the rest of the UK, because the NI assessment runs in November.
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FAQs
NI Transfer Test Questions
There are approximately 66 grammar schools across Northern Ireland, spread across all six counties and Belfast. These include around 29 Catholic maintained grammar schools, 21 other voluntary grammars, and 16 controlled grammar schools. A small number of integrated schools also have grammar streams. All use the unified SEAG Transfer Test for Year 8 entry (equivalent to Year 7 in England).
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