A Parent's Guide to the SEA: Strategically Choosing Your 4 Secondary Schools

The Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA exam) is more than just a test; it's a pivotal moment in your child's educational journey. And one of the most critical decisions you'll make isn't on the answer sheet — it's the careful selection and ranking of your four secondary school choices.

At Grade A Tutoring, we've supported countless families through SEA classes in Trinidad, helping them not just prepare academically, but also navigate the placement system with confidence. This guide is designed to demystify the process and give you a clear, strategic plan for filling out that all-important form.

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Understanding the Weight of Your 4 Choices

The Ministry of Education uses a placement system that considers three things:

1. Your child's SEA exam score.

2. The availability of spaces at each school.

3. The order of your 4 preferred schools.

The system tries to place your child in the highest-ranked school that their score qualifies them for. This makes your ranking order incredibly important.

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The 20% Rule: A Critical Factor for Denominational Schools

For denominational schools (Catholic, Anglican, Hindu, Presbyterian, etc.):

20% of places are reserved for students selected by the school’s board (often based on religion, interviews, or family ties).

80% of places are filled purely by SEA score merit and parental choice.

👉 What this means: If you don’t have a board connection, your child is competing for the 80% merit-based seats. Keep this in mind when ranking highly competitive schools.

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How to Strategically Rank Your 4 School Choices

Think of your list as a strategy — not just a wish list:

1. Choice #1: The "Dream" School

Your top choice, even if it’s competitive. Aim high — no harm here.

2. Choice #2: The "Realistic" Top Choice

A school where your child’s performance lines up with past placement scores. A strong possibility and one you’d be proud of.

3. Choice #3: The "Solid" Choice

A reputable school that matches your child’s strengths and is a likely placement based on their SEA performance.

4. Choice #4: The "Essential Safe" Choice

Your guaranteed backup. A school where your child is almost certain to be placed, based on past cut-off scores.

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Key Factors to Consider for Each School

Academic Fit: Does the school’s culture suit your child’s learning style?

Location: A long commute can drain energy and time.

Programmes: Look for strong areas — sports, arts, STEM, or technical subjects.

School Environment: Discipline, class size, and values matter.

Your Child’s Voice: Involve them. Excitement about their school motivates success.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Listing only “dream” schools (too risky).

❌ Ignoring commute times and costs.

❌ Randomly ordering schools (the order is strategy).

❌ Skipping a true “safe” school.

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How Tutors in Trinidad Can Help with SEA School Choices

At Grade A Tutoring & Learning Centre, we go beyond lessons. Our tutors help parents:

Analyze performance data → Understand if your child’s scores match past school placement trends.

Strategize school lists → Build a balanced, realistic, yet ambitious set of 4 schools.

Simplify the process → Explain tricky rules like the 20% rule in clear terms.

✨ Ready to build your child’s winning school list? Ask us about our SEA Success Programme today!