With the new school year underway, the SEAG Transfer Test is starting to feel much closer. There are a few important dates between now and results day that every parent should have on their radar.
Some of these dates are easy to overlook, particularly the registration deadline, so it is worth keeping this guide somewhere handy. Take a screenshot, save it to your phone or add the dates straight to your calendar.
SEAG 2026 Dates at a Glance
| Date | |
| Monday 18 May 2026 | Registration opens |
| Friday 18 September 2026 at 11:59pm | Registration closes and deadline for Access Arrangements applications |
| Friday 9 October 2026 | Pupil Cards available |
| Saturday 14 November 2026 | SEAG Paper 1 |
| Saturday 21 November 2026 | SEAG Paper 2 |
| Saturday 23 January 2027 | Results released |
Monday 18 May to Friday 18 September 2026: Registration Window
The registration deadline is one of the dates most easily missed because it comes several weeks before the actual tests.
Registration opened on Monday 18 May 2026 and closes on Friday 18 September 2026 at 11:59pm.
Once the registration window closes, the application area on the SEAG website also closes, so it is important not to leave this until the last minute.
There are a few practical things to keep in mind:
• There is a non-refundable £20 registration fee. Families who are eligible for Free School Meals Entitlement are exempt, although evidence will need to be provided.
• A short Late Registration Window may sometimes be offered afterwards at a higher fee of £50. However, this is not something to rely on.
• Have your child's birth certificate or passport and a passport-style photograph ready before you begin the application.
If you have not yet registered your child, make sure this is firmly on your September to-do list.
Friday 18 September 2026: Access Arrangements
The same deadline applies if your child requires Access Arrangements for the assessment.
If your child normally uses additional support in school, such as extra time or a scribe, it is important to speak to their school as early as possible.
Access Arrangements applications and all supporting evidence must be submitted by 18 September 2026.
The arrangements should reflect your child's normal way of working in school. Supporting evidence may include relevant school records or medical or psychometric evidence, and the application needs to be approved by the school Principal.
You can begin the pupil application and indicate that you intend to request Access Arrangements, but the supporting documentation still needs to be submitted by the deadline.
There are separate procedures for genuine emergencies close to the assessment, such as a child suffering an injury shortly before the test.
If Access Arrangements may apply to your child, September is the time to get the conversation started with their school rather than leaving the paperwork until the last minute.
Friday 9 October 2026: Pupil Cards Available
Pupil Cards are expected to be available from Friday 9 October 2026.
Keep an eye out for the relevant information and make sure you know where your child's card is well before test day.
It is one of those small jobs that is much easier to sort out in advance than trying to find everything on a Saturday morning when everyone is already feeling nervous.
Saturday 14 November 2026: SEAG Paper 1
This is the first of the two main SEAG assessment dates.
Paper 1 takes place on Saturday 14 November 2026.
By this point, your child will hopefully be familiar with the types of questions they are likely to encounter and have had plenty of opportunities to practise.
It is completely normal for children to feel nervous as the test approaches. Try to keep the atmosphere calm and positive.
Have everything ready the night before, allow plenty of time to get to the Assessment Centre and avoid turning breakfast into a final revision session.
Nobody needs to be discussing fractions over their cornflakes!
Saturday 21 November 2026: SEAG Paper 2
Just one week later, it is time for Paper 2 on Saturday 21 November 2026.
Having a week between the two papers gives children some breathing space, so try to use that week to keep things calm and positive.
Once Paper 1 is finished, resist the temptation to spend the entire week analysing every question your child thinks they may have got wrong.
You may hear:
"I think I got that one wrong."
"Actually, maybe I got it right."
"Wait, what did you put for number 23?"
Before you know it, the whole family is debating a Maths question from the previous Saturday!
Try to let it go.
Paper 1 is finished. The focus now is simply on helping your child feel rested, confident and ready for Paper 2.
Saturday 23 January 2027: Results Day
After all the preparation and two assessment days, results are released on Saturday 23 January 2027.
This can feel like a long way away when you are looking at the calendar in September, but the months will pass quickly.
Until then, focus on what your child can control. Keep their routine manageable, continue working on the areas they find challenging and make sure there is plenty of time for normal family life too.
