Northern Ireland · SEAG Answers
Every SEAG question, answered by Sam
Plain, honest answers to the questions parents actually ask, from P5 right through to offers and appeals.
From Sam Stirling, former P7 teacher, Bangor
Start here: where is your child now? → Browse all questions
Practice papersNerves & confidenceTest dayResultsChoosing schoolsAppeals
Families at home
For parents helping their child get ready, whether you have a tutor or not.
- What is the SEAG transfer test?
- Does my child have to sit the transfer test?
- How many papers are there, and how long is each one?
Schools & teachers
For P6 and P7 teachers and principals, plus our free practice papers for schools.
- What is the SEAG transfer test?
- Is the SEAG test multiple choice? How do the answer sheets work?
- When is the SEAG test this year?
Tuition with Sam
Small groups in Bangor, and the online home course opening 4 January 2027.
- When should we start preparing for the transfer test?
- How do Sam's small-group SEAG classes in Bangor work?
- Is there a waiting list for Sam's groups?
Results & schools
Got the SEAG result? Check what it means
Type the numbers from the Statement of Outcomes and see what they mean, school by school.
Good places to begin
Popular questions
Each question has its own page, with the answer in the first two lines.
How much practice should a P6 child do each week?
Little and often beats long sessions.
P6What do I do when my child freezes on a question?
When your child freezes, ask, "What are you going to do first?" and then, "And then what are you going to…
Test month (P7)When is the SEAG test this year?
For children in P7 now, Paper 1 is on Saturday 14 November 2026 and Paper 2 is on Saturday 21 November 2026.
ResultsWhat are the three numbers on the SEAG Statement of Outcomes?
Two scores, one for English and one for Maths, and the total.
Offers & appealsHow does the admissions appeal process work?
Appeals are heard by an independent Admissions Appeal Tribunal, and only on one ground: that the school…
About the testWhat is the SEAG transfer test?
The SEAG transfer test is the entrance assessment used by the schools in Northern Ireland that select by…
Latest answers
Who's answering
“I'm Sam Stirling, a former P7 teacher, with 10 years tutoring in Northern Ireland for the transfer test.”
Sam Stirling · former P7 teacher · SEAG tutor in Bangor
Free for P6 parents
Get the free P6 parents' guide
What matters in P6, what doesn't, and how to help at home without the stress.
- Written by Sam, for NI families
- Sent straight to your inbox
- Plus the Daily SEAG question, if you'd like it
No spam. Unsubscribe at any time. See the privacy notice.