New Transfer Test Content

A Single Transfer Test for Northern Ireland is confirmed from November 2023.

Plans for a Single Transfer Test from November 2023 appear to gaining momentum as a new company the Schools' Entrance Assessment Group (SEAG) is formed to run the new Single Transfer Test.​

Grammar school boards of governors have been asked to decide whether to take part in the new Transfer Test after they reviewed a document called "Towards a Single Assessment" which has been circulated to all grammar schools.​

Members of both the AQE and GL(PPTC) organisations have been working over the last number of years to agree the format of this single test. It is thought that 15 principals were involved in the "Towards a Single Assessment" document and that 9 principals will run the new Schools' Entrance Assessment Group (SEAG).​

The Department of Education will not be involved in the construction or management of the tests and a Department of Education spokesperson said: “The Department facilitates the transfer from primary to post primary school for all pupils, whether or not they sit a transfer test. However, any developments that make the transfer process easier for children and their families, should be welcomed.”​

If agreed, it would bring to an end the current system of two separate tests run by the AQE and the PPTC were children might sit up to 5 different transfer Tests. ​

The aim is that every pupil can sit one set of tests whose outcomes will be recognised and accepted across all grammar schools in Northern Ireland whose boards of governors wish to use such an assessment.

Possible Content of New Single Transfer Test. 

What will be of interest to parents who will have children in P7 in 2023 is the content of the new Single Transfer Test and how to prepare for the new test.​

The proposed Single Transfer Test is thought to include;

The assessment will consist of two tests.

Each test will comprise English and mathematics items.

The tests will be on separate dates - probably two weeks apart.

There will be a mixture of multiple choice and free response (standard answer) questions.

Irish-language versions of the transfer test will also be provided.

It will cost £20 per pupil and will be free for pupils who can claim a Free School Meal entitlement.​

Once full details of content and format are available Transfertestpapers.co.uk will be at the forefront of publishing quality practice material to aid and guide parents through the New Single Transfer Test.