The Post Primary Transfer Consortium – Transfer Test

The Post Primary Transfer Consortium manages the transfer testing and selection process for the grammar schools in its part of Northern Ireland. The schools that fall within the PPTC arrangements are detailed below.

The Post Primary Transfer Consortium – Transfer Test

The PPTC transfer test is written by an exam organisation called GL who historically have written lots of exams for different boards in the UK. The transfer test includes both a Maths test and an English Test.

Both transfer tests are multiple choice so children will need to get used to this aspect as it differs from school work where children tend to be asked a question and then have to formulate the answer themselves. The transfer test is multiple choice as this process allows for computer marking which greatly cuts down on the costs of administering such exams.

The PPTC English transfer test will include questions on Comprehension, Vocabulary, Spelling and Punctuation.

The PPTC Maths transfer test uses the syllabus as its base so children who have learnt well at Primary School will be well placed to do well in the transfer test.

Free Post Primary Transfer Consortium transfer test papers

By using the links below you can access free papers published by the PPTC which will give you a good flavour of the type of questions being asked.

Free PPTC English transfer test paper

Free PPTC Maths transfer test paper

Preparing for the PPTC transfer test in Northern Ireland

The PPTC transfer test is best prepared for over a long and slow basis, doing perhaps a little extra work each day. That way, children naturally rise up through the ranks of their primary school and home work and school work act together.

We have developed a page on preparation for the PPTC transfer test which shows what to focus on and what books to use and the process to follow.

Preparation plan and guidance for the PPTC transfer test

Schools included in the Post Primary Transfer Consortium transfer test area

The schools below are all part of the PPTC transfer test area and any child wanting access to one of these schools will need to go through the PPTC transfer testing and entry procedures.

All children who want to try for entrance to these selective schools through the PPTC transfer test will need to register for the transfer test in advance.

Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar School

Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School

Assumption Grammar School

Ballymena Academy

Christian Brothers’ Grammar School

Dominican College, Fort William

Dominican College, Portstewart

Loreto College

Loreto Grammar School

Lumen Christi College

Lurgan College

Mount Lourdes Grammar School