Free self-study course

Prepare for your independent school interview

This is what our teachers cover in one-to-one interview coaching, set out so you can prepare on your own. Work through the seven steps in order and practise out loud every day. Your notes save on this device.

Which schools are you applying to?

Choose every school you are applying to. Your practice questions and plan will follow your choices.

Your preparation plan

Tick each step when you finish it. Most students need three to four weeks, about 30 minutes a day.

Step 2

What the interviewer is really looking for

Schools are not testing your English or how many awards you have. They want to know whether you are curious, kind, honest about yourself, and likely to add something to their community. Read all eight lessons before you start practising.

Step 3

Your story bank

Strong interviews are built from six or seven real stories that you can adapt to almost any question. Write each one in keywords — not full sentences. You will use them in every practice answer.

Step 4

Question practice

For each question: plan your keywords, answer out loud with the timer, then compare with the model answer and check yourself.

Step 5

Mock interview

Seven questions in a row, like a real 15-minute interview. You will not see model answers until the end. Sit at a table, look at the screen as if it were the interviewer, and answer out loud. Ask someone at home to listen, or record yourself on a phone.

Step 6

Group activity

Some schools now start with a group interview, and it decides who goes on to the next stage. Observers are not looking for the boy or girl who talks most. They are looking for someone who listens, includes others and helps the group finish.

Step 7

Writing sample

The SSAT includes a 25-minute writing sample that is not scored but is sent to every school you apply to. Some schools also ask for a short written response on their own assessment day. Admissions readers use it to see how you think and write on your own.