Everything a parent needs to understand the SEAG Transfer Test and support their child through it — from key dates to what the assessment actually looks like.
Stay informed about SEAG dates and deadlines across the P6 to P7 year.
Learn more →A simple overview of the Entrance Assessment: format, content, cost and results.
Learn more →How to use practice papers and TransferNI to prepare effectively.
Learn more →Find out what access arrangements are and how to request them.
Learn more →Key dates
These are the important milestones for pupils entering post-primary school in September 2027. Dates are set by SEAG — always confirm the latest information on the official SEAG website before acting.
Parents can create an account and begin a pupil application.
Final deadline to register a pupil for the Entrance Assessment.
Pupils complete the two standardised papers at their chosen centre.
Standardised, age-adjusted scores are issued to families to support school applications.
Assessment guide
The SEAG Entrance Assessment is the standardised test used by academically selective (grammar) post-primary schools in Northern Ireland. Here's a plain-English overview:
TransferNI mirrors this structure so your child practises exactly the kinds of questions they'll meet on the day.
Practice materials
Good preparation is steady and low-pressure. A few short sessions a week beats long cramming sessions. We recommend combining official and online practice:
Access arrangements
Access arrangements are adjustments that allow pupils with a disability, medical condition or special educational need to sit the assessment fairly — for example, extra time, rest breaks, or a modified paper.
Full details and the application process are available on the official SEAG website's Access Arrangements guide.
FAQs
It's the standardised Entrance Assessment used by academically selective post-primary schools in Northern Ireland to help decide admissions. It's administered by SEAG and taken by pupils in their final year of primary school (P7).
Many families begin gentle, regular practice in P6. Starting early keeps things calm — short, frequent sessions are far more effective (and less stressful) than intensive cramming close to the test.
English and Maths, based on the Northern Ireland primary curriculum. TransferNI covers both, broken down into clear topics.
SEAG charges a registration fee, and a waiver is available for families entitled to Free School Meals (FSME). TransferNI is a separate practice tool — you can start practising for free.
No. TransferNI is an independent practice and revision tool. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by SEAG. For official registration and guidance, always use the official SEAG website.
As a standardised score that is adjusted for your child's age within the school year, so all pupils are assessed fairly regardless of birth month.
Now you know what to expect — help your child get comfortable with real exam-style questions.
Start practising free