11plus Exam Northern Ireland
- Suratna Solutions
- Oct 31, 2025
- 3 min read
Is your child preparing for grammar school entry in Northern Ireland?Hold on — the 11plus exam Northern Ireland has changed dramatically, and most parents are still catching up. The entire system was overhauled in 2023, meaning what worked for older siblings may no longer apply.
Let’s break down how the 11+ exam Northern Ireland now works, how it differs from England’s system, and what you can do to help your child succeed.
Table of Contents
What Is the 11plus Exam Northern Ireland?
The 11plus exam Northern Ireland, officially known as the SEAG Entrance Assessment, is used by 63 of the 67 grammar schools to determine admission.It’s now a single unified test administered by the Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group (SEAG), replacing the old AQE and PPTC systems that ended in 2022.
Students sit two papers in November: each lasting 60 minutes and assessing English (or Gaeilge) and Mathematics equally.
Exam Dates and Format
Paper 1: 15th November 2025
Paper 2: 22nd November 2025
Each paper includes:
Practice Section – 5 English + 5 Maths (untimed, warm-up questions)
English Section – 28 questions on spelling, punctuation, grammar, and comprehension
Mathematics Section – 28 questions, both multiple-choice and free-response
Both subjects are weighted 50% each in the final result.
How Does It Differ from England’s 11+ Exam?
Here’s where many families moving from Great Britain get surprised —the 11plus exam Northern Ireland tests only English and Maths, with no Verbal or Non-Verbal Reasoning components.
This difference means your child needs a distinct preparation approach, not just practice with GL or CEM-style papers.
Results arrive in late January as either Total Standardised Age Scores (TSAS) or Bands, depending on the grammar school.
Expert tip: According to Transfer Test Papers, both subjects must be prepared equally, neglecting one is the most common reason students underperform.
How to Register
Opens: Mid-May
Closes: Mid-September
Fee: £20 (waived for free school meal recipients)
Apply: SEAG Official Website https://seagni.co.uk/
Missed the registration? Unfortunately, late entries are not accepted, so mark the dates early.
Preparation Strategy for the 11+ Exam Northern Ireland
The exam covers Key Stage 2 literacy and numeracy, but the format and time pressure make early and structured preparation essential.
Suggested Timeline:
Primary 6 (P6): Build strong foundations and practise short, focused tasks.
Early Primary 7 (P7): Introduce timed full papers and develop exam stamina.
Core Focus Areas:
Daily Reading: Expands vocabulary and boosts comprehension.
Maths Practice: Reinforce problem-solving and calculation accuracy.
Mock Tests: Practise filling out answer sheets correctly, even a perfect answer marked wrong scores zero.
Math & Reason | Affordable 11+ tutor UK and Mock Tests offers SEAG-specific mock exams and tutoring designed for this new format, helping children gain confidence with both English and Maths equally.
Common Mistakes Parents Make
Using GL or CEM Materials:Although SEAG works with GL Assessment, the content and timing differ from England’s 11+. GL resources alone aren’t sufficient.
Starting Full Papers Too Early:Without mastering basics first, children become demotivated. Gradual progression builds confidence.
Ignoring Presentation:Untidy working can cause lost marks. Teach children to use rough work neatly and number their steps clearly.
Math & Reason | Affordable 11+ tutor UK and Mock Tests mock exams replicate actual SEAG conditions, right down to timing, format, and scoring, helping families identify and fix weaknesses months in advance.
Understanding SEAG Results
Scores are age-standardised to ensure fairness between older and younger pupils.Schools may rank applicants by:
Total Standardised Age Scores (TSAS) or
Bands (A–D)
A strong score doesn’t always guarantee grammar school admission if places are oversubscribed. Always apply strategically to multiple schools.
Final Thoughts
The 11plus exam Northern Ireland is rigorous, transparent, and fair; but only if you understand its unique structure and prepare correctly.With consistent practice, realistic mock tests, and smart guidance, your child can approach exam day with calm confidence.
