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On Saturday, more than 13,000 primary seven pupils across Northern Ireland will undertake the initial part of the 2025 transfer test. This examination is organised by the Schools Entrance Assessment Group (SEAG), which administers the common transfer test used by certain secondary schools. Students will complete a second paper on November 22, with the results scheduled for release in January 2026.
The outcomes of these tests are utilized by over 60 post-primary institutions, predominantly grammar schools, to determine admissions into year eight classes. However, the majority of Northern Ireland’s approximately 190 post-primary schools rely on alternative admission criteria. These often include factors such as the proximity of the student’s home to the school or whether the child has siblings already attending the institution.
The test itself comprises two papers focused on mathematics and English, although pupils may opt to take the test in Irish. Most questions are multiple choice, covering areas like spelling, grammar, punctuation, and maths. Additionally, students complete a comprehension section that involves answering questions based on a passage in either English or Irish. Each test lasts one hour and includes over 50 questions. A fee of £20 is generally required for entry, though children eligible for free school meals are exempt from this payment.
The use of transfer tests has been a subject of debate in Northern Ireland. Prior to 2008, a state-run 11-plus exam existed for around six decades but was discontinued by then Education Minister Caitriona Ruane, who described it as “outdated and unequal.” Following its abolition, schools introduced their own assessments; specifically, the AQE test was adopted mainly by controlled and voluntary grammar schools, while Catholic-maintained grammar schools tended to use GL assessments. This dual system ended in 2023 when SEAG launched a unified common transfer test for all academically selective schools. Critics argue that academic selection favors children from wealthier families, with the financial burden of private tutoring for these tests placing additional strain on low-income households. Pupils will receive their results on January 24, 2026, just before post-primary school admissions begin
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