Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar School

When there are more applications than places for 2026-27 (Year 8), places are offered in this order of priority. Meeting a higher criterion beats meeting a lower one.

1. 1Boys who have been awarded a Band 1 in the SEAG Entrance Assessment including those whose applications for consideration of Special Circumstances and/or Special Provisions have been accepted and who, in the opinion of the authorised Subcommittee, based on the documented evidence submitted as required, are of comparable ability to those boys awarded Band 1.
2. 2Boys who have been awarded a Band 2 in the SEAG Entrance Assessment including those whose applications for consideration of Special Circumstances and/or Special Provisions have been accepted and who, in the opinion of the authorised Subcommittee, based on the documented evidence submitted as required, are of comparable ability to those boys awarded Band 2.
3. 3Boys who have been awarded a Band 3 in the SEAG Entrance Assessment including those whose applications for consideration of Special Circumstances and/or Special Provisions have been accepted and who, in the opinion of the authorised Subcommittee, based on the documented evidence submitted as required, are of comparable ability to those boys awarded Band 3.
4. 4Boys who have been awarded a Band 4 in the SEAG Entrance Assessment including those whose applications for consideration of Special Circumstances and/or Special Provisions have been accepted and who, in the opinion of the authorised Subcommittee, based on the documented evidence submitted as required, are of comparable ability to those boys awarded Band 4.
5. 5Boys who have been awarded a Band 5 in the SEAG Entrance Assessment including those whose applications for consideration of Special Circumstances and/or Special Provisions have been accepted and who, in the opinion of the authorised Subcommittee, based on the documented evidence submitted as required, are of comparable ability to those boys awarded Band 5.
6. 6Boys who have been awarded a Band 6 in the SEAG Entrance Assessment including those whose applications for consideration of Special Circumstances and/or Special Provisions have been accepted and who, in the opinion of the authorised Subcommittee, based on the documented evidence submitted as required, are of comparable ability to those boys awarded Band 6.
7. 7All other boys who have applied to be admitted to Abbey CBGS Newry. If there are more boys who satisfy any one of the criteria 1 to 7 when they are applied in the order of priority set down above than places remaining, then boys will be selected according to the following sub-criteria applied in the order set down below: - (i) Boys who, at the date of their application, have a parent/guardian who is a member of the permanent teaching, administrative, or ancillary staff of the Abbey.
8. 8Boys who, at the date of their application, have another boy of the family (as defined by DE in Transfer 2025/12 Guidance) attending the school or having been selected for admission to the school in the coming school year.
9. 9Boys who have had another boy of the family (as defined by DE in Transfer 2025/12 Guidance) previously attend the school.
10. 10Boys who are the first boy of the family (as defined by DE in Transfer 2025/12 Guidance) to transfer to secondary education, i.e. the eldest boy of the family as defined above. A letter of verification must be completed and uploaded with the Online Transfer Form. It must be signed by one of the following who knows the child and family for at least two years and has no familial relationship with the applicant: i. a primary school principal ii. an elected public representative iii. a medical practitioner iv. a lawyer v. a member of the clergy
11. 11Boys who are the first boy of the family (as defined by DE in Transfer 2025/12 Guidance) to apply for a place in a school that admits pupils using academic criteria as its primary means of selection.
12. 12Boys who, at the date of their application, are entitled to Free School Meals Provision (as defined by DE in Transfer 2025/12 Guidance).
13. 13Boys whose names generate the lowest ranking number in the tie break criteria until all places up to the admissions number have been filled. Further details below. Operation of sub criterion (vii): Tiebreaker

Northern Ireland open-enrolment admissions criteria, as published by the Education Authority for entry in September 2026.

Published by the admission authority. Meeting a criterion never guarantees a place — it sets the order places are offered in. Full detail, other entry points and previous years are on the Admissions tab.