SEAG results day: A Calm, Practical Guide for Parents

A banner to ask parents to keep calm on SEAG results day

Results day can feel daunting — whether your child has been quietly confident or anxiously waiting. However the outcome lands, you can help your child process it calmly and move forward with clarity. This guide gives practical steps, emotional tips and next actions so you and your child know exactly what to do on SEAG results day.

Before the SEAG Results Arrive

Talk about outcomes in advance. Explain that results are one part of the picture and not a measure of your child’s worth. Reassure them you’ll handle whatever comes next together.
Plan logistics. Parents will be able to access their child’s Outcomes from the 2025 Entrance Assessment by logging on to their Dashboard on the SEAG website from 8:00 am on Saturday, 24th January 2026. Each child will have a “Statement of Outcomes” which can be viewed on the SEAG Portal.
Prepare a neutral space. Have a quiet, private spot ready so your child can absorb the news without pressure or distraction.

When the SEAG Results Arrive

Stay calm and present. Your tone and body language set the scene. Breathe, listen, and let your child lead the immediate conversation.
Give them time. Children often need a few quiet moments to process before talking. Offer tissues, water, a hug if they want one — simple comforts matter.
Respond to emotion first. If your child is upset, contain the moment: “I can see you’re disappointed — that’s okay. We’ll work this through together.” If they’re delighted, celebrate with them and keep the response proportional.

If the SEAG Result is Positive

Celebrate thoughtfully. Share the good news with pride — but avoid overloading them with pressure about “what’s next.” Acknowledge effort and resilience as well as the result.
Confirm next steps. Note the deadline to apply for your child’s post-primary place is 19th February 2026, so you have plenty of time. More information about this can be found on the EA website.
Keep perspective. Even a strong result is a step on a longer journey. Encourage continued learning and balanced routines.

If the SEAG Result is Disappointing

Validate their feelings. Disappointment, anger or confusion are normal. Say: “It’s okay to feel upset. We’ll look at what we can do next.”
Avoid immediate big decisions. Don’t rush into appeals, re-tests or drastic changes on emotion alone. Give yourselves 24–48 hours to calm and reflect.
Look at the detail. Check where marks were lost and whether the outcome was close enough to justify reviewing or appealing. A clear picture helps choose the right next move.

Practical Next Steps

Check appeals and review policies. You have from the 26th January 2026 to the 4th February 2026 to lodge an appeal. Details about how to do this will be on the SEAG website.
Talk to your child’s teacher or principal about your next steps.
Review the admission criteria for all the schools you are considering. You can search for these on the EA website.
Plan for transitions. Prepare for practical changes like uniforms, transport and induction dates.

If your child doesn’t get a grammar school place

Reassure them it’s not the end. Many successful students follow different paths and thrive in other settings. Academic success, wellbeing and opportunities come in many forms.
Explore alternative routes. Look at other secondary schools, specialist programmes, or academic enrichment activities outside school.
Keep options open. Ask about places that may become available later in the admissions cycle and whether mid-year transfers or assessments are possible.

Practical Checklist for SEAG Results Day

Have your login details ready to access the SEAG Portal.
Have contact details ready for your child’s primary school in case you need to speak to them.
Note appeals/review deadlines immediately.
Prepare the required documents needed for making an application to your choice of school.
Keep a calm, private space for your child to respond.

Final notes: Results day is a moment — not a definition. Your response as a parent shapes how your child remembers it. Stay calm, gather the facts, and choose the next step with clear information rather than emotion.

You’re not alone in this. With a steady approach, a plan and the right support, you and your child will move forward confidently.

If you are just starting your SEAH journey and are looking for resources to help, please visit our practice paper page.