Understanding Results

How SEAG ScoringActually Works

A clear explanation of standardised scores, cohort bands, and how grammar schools use SEAG results in their admissions process.

Test format

The SEAG transfer test consists of two papers, each containing English and Maths sections. Both papers contribute equally to your child's final score.

Each Paper Contains

28English questions (22 multiple choice, 6 written)
28Maths questions (22 multiple choice, 6 written)
10Practice questions (not scored)

Question Types

Multiple choice for quick recall
Written answers for deeper understanding
Based on NI Curriculum (KS2)

Standardised Age Scores

Raw scores (the number of correct answers) are converted to standardised scores. This accounts for the difficulty of each test and your child's age on the day they sat the test.

Why standardise?

A child born in September is almost a year older than one born in August. Without age standardisation, older children would have an unfair advantage. Standardised scores level the playing field so schools can compare children fairly.

You will receive separate standardised scores for English and Maths, as well as a Total Standardised Age Score combining both subjects. Most grammar schools use the total score in their admissions criteria.

Cohort Bands

In addition to standardised scores, SEAG places each child in a cohort band. These bands group children by their relative performance compared to all other test-takers that year.

How bands work

Children are ranked by their total standardised score and divided into bands. The exact boundaries vary each year depending on how the cohort performs.

Band AHighest performing students
Band BAbove average performance
Band CAverage performance
Band DBelow average performance

Some schools use cohort bands as their primary selection criteria, while others prioritise standardised scores. Always check the specific admissions criteria for schools you are considering.

How schools use SEAG results

Each grammar school sets its own admissions criteria. While SEAG results are central, schools may weight them differently or consider additional factors.

Total Standardised Score

Many schools rank applicants by their total standardised score, offering places to those with the highest scores first.

Cohort Band Priority

Some schools first select all Band A students, then Band B, and so on. Within each band, other criteria may apply.

First Preference Weighting

Although not recommended by the EA, some schools give priority to applicants who list them as first choice. Check each school's policy.

Sibling Priority

Many schools give preference to applicants who have siblings already attending the school.

The uncomfortable truth about scores

Score obsession backfires

Parents who fixate on reaching a specific score (often 120 or 130) often create counterproductive pressure. Children who feel they are chasing a number rather than building skills tend to develop anxiety that hurts test-day performance.

Mock test scores mislead

Scores on practice papers cannot be meaningfully compared to SEAG results. Real standardised scores depend on the performance of the entire cohort that year. A "good" mock score means nothing without knowing how others performed.

High scores do not guarantee happiness

Research on school outcomes shows that the correlation between transfer test scores and later academic achievement is weaker than parents assume. A child thriving in the right environment outperforms a stressed child who scraped into a more competitive school.

What actually matters: Focus on building genuine understanding and confidence. The score takes care of itself when preparation is done right.

Tips for results day

Research school admissions criteria before results arrive so you know what scores are typically needed.
List at least four schools on your application, including at least one non-grammar school.
Remember that a score is just one measure. Your child's happiness and fit with a school matter too.
Attend open days at multiple schools to help your child feel confident about their options.

Prepare with confidence

SEAGReady helps your child build the skills and knowledge they need for a strong SEAG score.