The 2027-28 cycle is for children moving to Year 8 in September 2028. Each date below is marked as confirmed or expected, so you can plan without relying on guesses.
Checked against SEAG, Department of Education and EA guidance on 15 October 2026.
As of 15 October 2026, SEAG, the Department of Education and the Education Authority had not published any dates for the 2027-28 cycle. The dates below are what to expect, based on the 2026-27 cycle, and we will update this page as official dates appear.
Looking for this year's test? See the confirmed SEAG dates for November 2026.
Expected around mid-May 2027
Parents create a SEAG account and make a Pupil Application with a passport-style photo and a birth certificate, passport or residence permit. Access Arrangements are requested at the same time.
Based on: In the 2026 cycle registration opened at 8am on Monday 18 May 2026 (SEAG). The Department of Education says registration generally opens in the May of a child’s P6 year.
Expected around mid-September 2027
A child who is not registered by the deadline cannot sit the assessment, so plan to register well before it.
Based on: In the 2026 cycle registration closed at 11:59pm on Friday 18 September 2026 (SEAG), with a short late window afterwards that SEAG says is not guaranteed.
Expected around early October 2027
Parents download, check and print the Pupil Card, which the child brings to both papers.
Based on: In the 2026 cycle Pupil Cards were available from Friday 9 October 2026 (SEAG).
Expected on two Saturday mornings in mid to late November 2027, a week apart
Both papers test English (or Gaeilge) and maths in the same format, at the Assessment Centre chosen at registration.
Based on: In the 2026 cycle the papers were on Saturday 14 and Saturday 21 November 2026, with 28 November kept as a contingency date (SEAG).
Expected around early to mid-December 2027
Each post-primary school’s admissions criteria and places available appear on the EA website.
Based on: For September 2027 entry the EA published admissions information and criteria on Wednesday 9 December 2026 (Department of Education Circular 2026/18).
Expected around late January 2028
Parents view and download the Statement of Outcomes from their SEAG account.
Based on: In the 2026 cycle outcomes were planned for Saturday 23 January 2027, with re-mark requests from 25 January to 3 February 2027 (SEAG).
Expected around late January to early March 2028
Parents apply through the EA online portal, listing at least four schools in order of preference, including at least one non-grammar school.
Based on: For September 2027 entry the online application opens at 12 noon on 27 January 2027 and closes at 12 noon on 3 March 2027 (Department of Education Circular 2026/18).
Expected around early May 2028
Parents are told which school has offered a place, and how to appeal if needed.
Based on: For September 2027 entry outcomes are issued on Saturday 8 May 2027 (Department of Education Circular 2026/18).
SEAG has not yet published dates for the 2027 assessment. Based on the 2026 cycle, when the papers were on Saturday 14 and Saturday 21 November, it is expected on two Saturday mornings in mid to late November 2027, a week apart.
Not yet confirmed. In the 2026 cycle registration ran from 8am on Monday 18 May to 11:59pm on Friday 18 September 2026, and the Department of Education says registration generally opens in the May of a child’s P6 year. Expect a similar window in 2027.
Children who are in P6 in the 2026/27 school year and will move to Year 8 in September 2028, if their parents register them. SEAG publishes the exact eligible dates of birth each year.
Not yet confirmed. Results for the 2026 assessment are planned for Saturday 23 January 2027, so results for the 2027 assessment are expected around late January 2028.
The free gap check shows where your child is in English and maths today, so you can plan the year ahead without guesswork.
Free to start · no card needed
Checked against SEAG, Department of Education and EA guidance on 15 October 2026. SEAG may change its arrangements, so always follow the latest guidance on seagni.co.uk and from your child's Assessment Centre.