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Belfast grammar school

Belfast Royal Academy

5-17 Cliftonville Road, Belfast, Belfast BT14 6JL

Last checked 19 October 2026 · Source: DE NI

Visit school website(opens in a new tab)
Who can apply
Boys and girls
Entrance test
SEAG transfer test
Papers by
GL Assessment

Belfast Royal Academy at a glance

Entrance test
SEAG transfer test
Papers by GL Assessment

For September 2027 entry · children now in P7

Registration opens
18 May 2026
Passed
Registration closes
18 September 2026
Passed
Test day
14 November 2026
Paper 2 on Saturday 21 November 2026; Saturday 28 November 2026 is a contingency date if the Assessment is completely postponed across N. Ireland
Results
23 January 2027
Offer day
Not confirmed yet

September 2028 entry · children now in P6

Registration opens
Not confirmed yet
Usually opens in the spring/summer before the test. We'll show the date once the organiser publishes it.
Test day
Not confirmed yet

Dates and scores are shown only once we've checked them against the official admissions information. Always confirm with the test organiser before you rely on them.

Key dates

For September 2027 entry · children now in P7

  1. 18 May 2026

    Registration openspassed

  2. 18 September 2026

    Registration closespassed

  3. 14 November 2026

    Test dayNext

    Paper 2 on Saturday 21 November 2026; Saturday 28 November 2026 is a contingency date if the Assessment is completely postponed across N. Ireland

  4. 23 January 2027

    Results sent to families

Add these dates to your calendar

Dates from the SEAG transfer test, checked 19 October 2026. Official information(opens in a new tab)

September 2028 entry · children now in P6

Registration opens
Not confirmed yet
Test day
Not confirmed yet

Usually opens in the spring/summer before the test. We'll show the date once the organiser publishes it.

See open days and how to apply

Prepare for Belfast Royal Academy

Practice matched to the GL Assessment papers this school's test uses.

GL Assessment paper packs

Timed practice papers with marking and a report on what to work on next.

Next mock exam

GL mock day — Autumn 2026 (Year 5)

Year 5 GL mock season 2026–27

Dates to be confirmed

Free sample paper

Every child gets a free sample paper in each subject with a free parent account, with a report and an estimated standardised score.

About Belfast Royal Academy

Belfast Royal Academy is a co-educational school in Belfast, founded in 1785 and described by the school as the oldest school in the city. It has a sixth form and offers 31 subjects at AS and A2 Level. The school describes its ethos as combining "a high standard of teaching coupled with deep levels of support", and it lists 72 extra-curricular activities.

The entrance test

Children applying for Year 7 sit the SEAG transfer test, run by Schools' Entrance Assessment Group (SEAG).

Papers by: GL Assessment.

Checked against the official admissions information. What the exam boards mean

Our guide to the SEAG transfer test: format, dates and other schools that use it →

Catchment area

Belfast area with co-ed entry

Catchment rules can change each year. The school's admissions policy has the final word.

More about the 11+ in Northern IrelandEvery test, grammar school and key date in the area

Common questions

Which 11+ test does Belfast Royal Academy use?
Children applying for Year 7 at Belfast Royal Academy sit the SEAG transfer test, run by Schools' Entrance Assessment Group (SEAG).
What format is the SEAG transfer test?
The SEAG transfer test papers are written by GL Assessment. The subjects, timings and question types are set for each test, so check the official familiarisation material for the exact format.
Is Belfast Royal Academy for boys or girls?
Belfast Royal Academy is co-educational: it admits both boys and girls into Year 7.
When is the SEAG transfer test for 2027 entry?
The SEAG transfer test for September 2027 entry is on 14 November 2026. Registration closes on 18 September 2026.
When are the SEAG transfer test results for 2027 entry?
Results for September 2027 entry are sent to families on 23 January 2027.
How can my child prepare for the Belfast Royal Academy 11+?
The SEAG transfer test papers are written by GL Assessment, so practise with papers in that style under timed conditions. On Academy11+ you'll find GL Assessment mock exams and a free sample paper, with a report on what to work on next.
Where is Belfast Royal Academy?
Belfast Royal Academy is at 5-17 Cliftonville Road, Belfast, Belfast BT14 6JL.