BELFAST – Approximately 13,000 primary school pupils across Northern Ireland have completed the first stage of a new standardized transfer test, administered today, November 9, 2024, by the SEAG (Shared Education Assessment Group). The test, designed to assess pupils’ abilities in mathematics and English – or Irish for those who choose – marks a important moment in the academic selection process for grammar schools.
The introduction of this common test follows years of controversy surrounding academic selection and a fragmented system of separate tests run by individual schools. Previously,a state-run 11-plus exam existed for six decades until 2008,when than-Education Minister Caitriona Ruane deemed it “outdated and unequal.” Following its abolition, grammar schools established their own assessments, initially the AQE and GL assessments, before consolidating under the SEAG-administered system in 2023.
The tests consist of over 50 multiple-choice questions, alongside a comprehension section requiring answers to passages in either English or Irish. Pupils are allotted one hour to complete each test. While most families contribute £20 per child to cover the test fee, students eligible for free school meals are exempt.
the results, scheduled for delivery on January 24, 2026, will play a crucial role in the post-primary school admissions process. However, academic selection remains a contentious issue, with critics arguing it disproportionately benefits pupils from affluent backgrounds due to the cost of supplemental tutoring. Experts contend that the financial burden of preparing for these tests creates an uneven playing field for children from lower-income families.
