Northern Ireland Transfer Test (AQE & GL) — Free Practice
In Northern Ireland, entry to grammar schools is decided by the transfer test, sat in Primary 7 (around age 10–11). Two providers run tests — AQE and GL Assessment (PPTC) — and schools use one or both.
What the Northern Ireland 11+ tests
- ✓English — comprehension and language
- ✓Maths — arithmetic and problem solving
Format & key facts
Two systems: the AQE Common Entrance Assessment and the GL (PPTC) transfer test.
AQE typically uses several papers, with the best results counting; GL is usually a single assessment.
Sat in the autumn of Primary 7 (the NI equivalent of Year 6), often around November.
Grammar schools state which test(s) they accept, so check each school — some accept both.
Exact dates, deadlines and scores change each year — always confirm on the official Northern Ireland admissions website.
Grammar schools in Northern Ireland
Examples of grammar schools that select using the Northern Ireland 11+:
How to prepare for the Northern Ireland 11+
- 💡Check whether your target schools use AQE, GL, or both, and prepare for the right format.
- 💡AQE and GL differ in style, so practise the specific test(s) your child will sit.
- 💡Build exam pace with timed practice — the transfer test is tightly timed.
Unlimited Northern Ireland 11+ practice
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Northern Ireland 11+ — questions parents ask
What is the Northern Ireland transfer test?▸
It is the entrance assessment for NI grammar schools, sat in Primary 7. Two providers run tests: AQE (Common Entrance Assessment) and GL Assessment (PPTC).
What is the difference between AQE and GL in Northern Ireland?▸
AQE typically uses several papers with the best score counting, while GL (PPTC) is usually a single assessment. Schools state which they accept — some accept both.
When is the NI transfer test sat?▸
In the autumn of Primary 7, often around November. Confirm exact dates with AQE, PPTC and the individual schools.