The Northern Ireland transfer test: Common Entrance Assessment (CEA)

In 2008, 11+ exams were abolished in Northern Ireland in an attempt to make the education system more equal. However, many of the grammar schools in the country quickly responded by producing their own entrance exams, or transfer tests, to avoid becoming mixed-ability comprehensives.

Stephen McConkey, experienced teacher, owner and author of the Transfer Test Learning Together titles explains what's involved in the new SEAG tests...

The SEAG Transfer Test will consist of two papers to be taken in or around November each year. Each paper will test English (or Gaeilge) and Mathematics. Both papers will have an identical format consisting of the following three sections:

Section 1: Practice test section. Five English (or Gaeilge questions) followed by five maths questions. These are designed to help pupils relax and understand the format before the main test begins. This is not assessed.

Section 2: The English (or Gaeilge) main test. This will have a total of 28 questions (Q1-Q28).

There will be a punctuation exercise with five multiple-choice questions, and a grammar exercise with five multiple-choice questions. There will also be a spelling exercise with five multiple-choice questions (Q1-Q15).

This is followed by an English comprehension – pupils must read a passage and then answer 13 questions; seven of these are multiple-choice (Q16-Q22).

The final six questions (Q23-Q28) are described as 'free response'. Pupil's will write the answer for each question in the space provided on the answer sheet.

Section 3: the Maths main test. This has a similar format to the English section.

This section will also have 28 questions (Q29-Q56).

The first 22 Maths questions (Q29-Q50) are multiple-choice questions. The final six Maths questions (Q51-Q56) are again described as 'free response'.

For all multiple-choice questions in the English and maths section, there are five possible answers.

From September 2023 only GL assessment will be used and will be administered by Schools Entrance Assessment Group (SEAG). 

SEAG tests will replace AQE and PPTC so you only need to apply to one testing organisation.

Registration is likely to be open between early May and mid-September.

Parents can register their child to take the Transfer Test by using the SEAG website. The Transfer Test takes place in one of the SEAG Assessment Centres usually at a member grammar school.

Only pupils who are registered can sit the Transfer Test. There is a fee of £20 to sit the test. The test is free if your child receives free school meals.

Exams will take place in one of the SEAG schools that use academic selection. During the registration process, you have the opportunity to indicate the Assessment Centres which are the most convenient for you.

Each pupil will receive a total Standardised Age Score (SAS), a Band and his/her actual SAS scores for English (or Gaeilge) and Mathematics. 

The exact date when SEAG results will be reported will vary year on year but will likely be in the January following on from the test date.

Practice papers are free and can be found on the SEAG website.

Transfer Test Papers and On Target Resources sell printed and downloadable mock tests and preparation booklets for both the Transfer Tests.

The information we provide about individual schools is accurate at the time of publication, but please note that admissions arrangements for Year 7 entry change regularly and it is essential to check for up-to-date advice on schools' own websites.