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How to prepare your child for a selective school interview — questions, practice tips and what to expect.
Download Free Sample QuestionsA small number of selective and independent schools include an interview as part of their admissions process. For children who reach this stage, preparation can make the difference between confidence and anxiety. This guide explains what to expect and how to help your child shine.
State grammar schools in Surrey (such as Tiffin, RGS Guildford and Nonsuch) select entirely on exam results — there is no interview. However, many independent schools and some selective state schools use interviews or group assessment activities to complement academic test scores. Always verify on the school's admissions page.
Interviewers are not trying to catch children out. They want to see:
Children who come across as natural, thoughtful and enthusiastic almost always perform well regardless of nerves.
Prepare a 60-second introduction covering interests, hobbies and one thing they are proud of. Avoid a simple recitation of facts — encourage storytelling: "I love reading mystery novels because…"
Children should be able to explain what they liked about the book and what it made them think about. Encourage them to read at least one book in the weeks before the interview so it feels fresh.
This is perhaps the most important question. Visit the school beforehand. Ask your child to identify two or three specific things that appeal to them — a particular subject offering, an extra-curricular activity, or something they learned at an open day.
A good answer is honest but constructive: "I would love more opportunities for debating" rather than anything critical of teachers or peers. Help your child think of something genuine.
Follow current events or recent classroom topics. Encourage your child to read a children's newspaper or magazine so they have fresh material to draw on.
Sit your child down and ask them the questions above. Record it on your phone so they can watch it back — children are often surprised by how well they do. Run several short sessions over a few weeks rather than one intense cram.
Our 11+ interview specialists coach students through the specific format and question styles used by each school, helping them present their ideas confidently and naturally on the day. Our students have achieved a 95%+ offer rate across selective school entry, and we're rated 4.8/5 on Trustpilot. Book a free consultation to discuss interview preparation.
Make a habit of asking "what did you think of that?" after any book, film or news story. Children who are used to articulating opinions at home find interviews far less daunting.
Attending an open day gives your child concrete material for the "why this school?" question and also demystifies the environment, reducing nerves on the day itself.
Over-rehearsed answers sound robotic. Aim for familiarity rather than a script. Breathing exercises and a good night's sleep matter as much as any practice session.
Our tutors help children build the communication skills and confidence that interview success requires. Beyond 11+ preparation, we develop children's ability to articulate ideas clearly — a skill that serves them well in interviews, oral assessments and beyond. Book a free consultation to discuss your child's preparation.
Q: Do all grammar schools have an 11+ interview?
No. Most grammar schools select purely on exam results. However, some independent and selective schools — particularly those with mixed-ability intakes or bursary programmes — do include an interview stage. Always check the school's admissions page.
Q: What questions are asked in an 11+ interview?
Typical questions include: Tell me about yourself. What is your favourite book and why? What have you enjoyed learning recently? What would you change about your school? Why do you want to come to this school? Questions are designed to explore curiosity, communication and enthusiasm.
Q: How long is an 11+ interview?
Most school interviews last 10–20 minutes, usually with one or two staff members. Some schools conduct group activities or panel interviews. The atmosphere is generally warm and conversational.
Q: How can I help my child prepare for the interview?
Practice answering common questions aloud. Encourage your child to read widely and discuss books and current events. Visit the school so they can speak knowledgeably about why they want to attend. Roleplay scenarios to build familiarity without creating anxiety.
How are 11+ Interview Preparation Guide structured and what should I expect?
Most Oxbridge interviews last between 20 and 45 minutes and are conducted by one or two subject tutors at the college you have applied to. The format focuses on academic discussion rather than personal statements — tutors typically give you an unseen problem, passage, or object and ask you to think through it aloud. They are assessing how you reason under pressure and engage with new ideas, not whether you arrive at a 'correct' answer. Preparation should therefore focus on practising structured reasoning and academic argument.
How can Leading Tuition help with 11+ Interview Preparation Guide?
Leading Tuition provides specialist coaching for 11+ Interview Preparation Guide. Our tutors include Oxbridge graduates with first-hand experience of the interview process, and they work with students on academic argument construction, problem-solving under pressure, and subject-specific knowledge depth. We run realistic mock interviews with detailed written feedback. Rated Excellent on Trustpilot, we have helped students secure places at Oxford, Cambridge, and other leading universities. Book a free consultation to discuss your interview preparation.
Practice with real interview questions
Download free sample Oxbridge interview questions with model answers, or get the full subject pack for £150.
Download Free Sample Questions Or book a free consultation →Download free sample interview questions with model answers — or get expert 1-to-1 coaching from tutors who have been through the process.
Download Free Sample QuestionsLeading Tuition has helped hundreds of students get into Oxford and Cambridge. 91% of our students achieve their desired grades. Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.