SEAG Maths Exam Specification: A guide for parents
If your child is preparing for the SEAG Maths Exam, you might be wondering what exactly they’ll be tested on—and how you can support their learning without feeling overwhelmed.
The good news? This guide breaks it all down into simple terms, helping you feel more confident about what lies ahead and how to give your child the best possible support.
🧮 What Is the SEAG Maths Exam?
The SEAG Maths Exam is part of the transfer process for grammar schools in Northern Ireland. It’s based entirely on the Key Stage 2 Northern Ireland Curriculum for Mathematics and focuses on both problem-solving and mathematical reasoning.
Your child won’t be tested on anything beyond what they’ve learned in primary school—but they’ll be expected to apply their knowledge in real-life scenarios and think logically under exam conditions.
🎯 What Skills Are Being Assessed?
The SEAG Maths Exam checks that pupils can:
- ✅ Read and understand mathematical problems
- ✅ Solve problems using a variety of strategies
- ✅ Reason, interpret and explain using correct mathematical terms
- ✅ Use symbols, diagrams, and logic to support their thinking
- ✅ Recognise number patterns and relationships
- ✅ Answer multiple-choice and open-ended questions
It’s not just about doing sums—it’s about applying maths to solve real problems confidently and accurately.
📘 SEAG Maths Topics Your Child Needs to Know
Here’s a breakdown of the core content your child will be tested on:
🔢 Number and Number Notation
- Place value and whole numbers
- Decimals (up to two decimal places)
- Multiplying and dividing by 10, 100, and 1000
- Estimating and rounding to the nearest 10 or 100
➕ Operations and Mental Maths
- Adding and subtracting two-digit numbers (mentally and in writing)
- Multiplication and division (up to 10×10)
- Multiplying/dividing decimals by whole numbers
- Understanding and using fractions, decimals, and percentages
- Equivalence between fractions, decimals, and percentages
🔁 Patterns and Sequences
- Spotting number patterns (doubling, halving, steps in sequences)
- Predicting numbers in a sequence
- Prime numbers, square and cube numbers
- Simple algebra (e.g. solving 6 + a = 24)
➗ Functions and Problem Solving
- Understanding function machines
- Using letters to represent unknown values
- Working logically to solve word problems
📐 Other Key SEAG Maths Areas
📏 Measurement
- Length, weight, and capacity
- Time (including clocks and timetables)
- Perimeter, area, and volume
🔺 Shape, Space, and Position
- 2D and 3D shape properties
- Angles and symmetry
- Position, movement, and direction
📊 Data Handling and Probability
- Reading charts, tables, graphs, and pictograms
- Understanding averages (mean, mode, median)
- Simple probability and making predictions
💰 Money
- Calculating change
- Solving money-related word problems
⏱️ SEAG Maths Exam Format
- The exam will feature a mix of multiple-choice and short answer questions.
- Pupils will need to work independently, using their own problem-solving strategies.
- Calculators are not allowed, so strong mental maths and estimation skills are essential.
- There are no extended written answers—just clear, correct maths!
👨👩👧👦 How Parents Can Help with the SEAG Maths Exam?
You don’t have to be a maths expert to support your child’s SEAG preparation! Here are some simple ways to help:
- ✅ Practise core number facts (times tables, mental arithmetic)
- ✅ Use real-life maths: cooking, shopping, measuring, budgeting
- ✅ Work through past papers and practice questions
- ✅ Talk through word problems together to build reasoning skills
- ✅ Make revision fun with quick-fire quizzes and games
🛠️ Prepare with Confidence Using On Target Resources
At On Target Resources, we’ve created everything you need to help your child prepare for the SEAG Maths Exam with confidence and calm.
📝 SEAG-style Practice Papers
📚 Targeted Revision Books covering every topic
💻 Online Quizzes to build fluency and accuracy
Our resources are designed by education professionals to reflect the real structure and content of the SEAG exam—so your child knows exactly what to expect on the day.
👉 Visit ontargetresources.co.uk to explore the full range.
👏 Final Word for Parents
The SEAG Maths Exam might seem daunting at first, but with a clear understanding of what’s involved and the right resources at your side, your child can go into the test feeling confident and prepared.
Remember, it’s not about perfection—it’s about progress, practice, and a positive mindset.