How To Prepare For 11 Plus (11+) School Entrance Interviews — A Complete Guide
If your child is applying to an independent or selective school in the UK, there’s a strong chance they’ll be invited to attend an interview as part of the admissions process. For many families, this can feel like the most unfamiliar stage of the 11 Plus. Interviews are far less predictable than exams, and often something children have never experienced before.
But here’s the good news: most school interviews are friendly, structured conversations designed to help the school understand your child as a person, not just a test result. They want to see curiosity, confidence, kindness, and potential (qualities that can be developed with the right preparation).
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to expect, how to help your child prepare in a calm and structured way, and the simple strategies we recommend at The Exam Coach.
Contents
What Are 11 Plus School Entrance Interviews?
What is the purpose of an interview?
Although every school has its own style, the purpose of the interview is broadly the same: it’s an opportunity for the admissions team to get to know your child off paper. Written papers test academic ability, while interviews reveal qualities that can’t be measured on a mark scheme.
Schools typically use the interview to understand:
How your child thinks
How they communicate
What they are curious about
How they reflect on their experiences
Whether they’ll contribute positively to the school community
Interviews are not designed to catch students out. In fact, most interviews feel like a relaxed, teacher-led conversation. They often start with gentle questions about hobbies or school life before moving into more reflective questions.
What kind of student are schools looking for?
Independent schools look for kindness, curiosity, confidence, and character, not perfection.
They are assessing your child’s potential, not simply what they can do today. Interviewers often look for students who:
Show enthusiasm when talking about their learning or interests
Can reflect honestly on successes and challenges
Demonstrate good manners and social awareness
Listen carefully and respond thoughtfully
Show readiness for the opportunities offered by the school
Schools want children who will thrive in their environment, academically, socially, and personally. That’s why preparation is so important: not to script answers, but to help your child express the best version of themselves.
How Should Your Child Prepare?
Preparing for an 11 Plus interview is a combination of practical steps, confidence-building, and gentle reflection. The goal is not to script your child’s responses, but to help them feel calm, clear, and ready to talk about themselves in a natural way.
Step 1 — Research the School Together
A strong interview often starts long before the day itself. Encourage your child to explore the school they’re applying to:
What are the school’s values?
What subjects, clubs, or facilities excite them?
Why might they enjoy being part of this community?
Most schools expect applicants to have a basic understanding of what makes their school special. This doesn’t need to be complicated, even being able to say “I’m excited about joining the rowing club because…” can make a big difference.
Talking openly about “why this school?” helps your child form their own connection to the school, and this is something examiners can immediately recognise.
Step 2 — Help Your Child Reflect on Their Strengths (and Weaknesses)
Interviewers often ask children to talk about:
What they enjoy
What they’re good at
What they’ve achieved
What they find challenging
What they’d like to improve
These questions encourage self-awareness. You can support this at home by having relaxed conversations about:
Times they’ve helped others
Projects they’ve enjoyed
Situations that required teamwork
Challenges they’ve overcome
Skills they’re developing
This isn’t about building a perfect child, it’s about helping them articulate who they already are.
Step 3 — Create a Simple Achievement Sheet
Some families find it helpful to create a neat one-page “interview CV” listing:
Hobbies
Achievements
Positions of responsibility
Favourite subjects
Clubs and activities
This isn’t something they’ll hand to the interviewer, it’s a tool to help your child organise their thoughts. Think of it as a confidence booster, not a script.
Step 4 — Put Together a Small Portfolio
If your child has a strong interest in a particular area, a mini-portfolio can help them explain it. For example:
Artwork or design sketches
Certificates
Music or drama achievements
Photos of projects they’re proud of
Most schools do not expect a polished portfolio, but having tangible examples can make conversations richer and more memorable.
Step 5 — Practise Answering Interview Questions
Interviews for 11 Plus entry typically cover familiar themes: hobbies, favourite subjects, reading, teamwork, challenges, achievements, and what the child knows about the school.
Your interview course notes include a long list of example questions, and while we won’t reproduce them in full here, you can use these broad categories as practice prompts. Small, informal mock interviews at home (no pressure, no scripts) help children feel more comfortable speaking about themselves.
The most important part? Encourage them to answer truthfully. Children who try to memorise “perfect” answers often sound less confident than those who speak naturally.
What Happens on Interview Day?
Interview day can feel like the most uncertain part of the admissions process, but with the right preparation, it becomes much more manageable, even enjoyable. Most schools are warm, welcoming environments, and staff genuinely want children to feel relaxed.
Getting Ready: The Morning of the Interview
A calm, structured start to the day will help set the tone. Encourage your child to:
Have a good breakfast
Revisit one or two talking points they feel proud of
Do a quick “warm-up chat” in the car or on the way
Pack anything they want to bring (portfolio pieces, glasses, inhalers, etc.)
If a school requests that students attend in uniform, ensure everything is clean, tidy, and comfortable. If smart clothing is suggested instead, choose something that helps your child feel confident but not overdressed.
Managing Nerves
It’s completely normal for children to feel nervous, often more so than before a written test. Schools know this, and interviewers are skilled at helping students settle in.
You can support your child by:
Reassuring them that nerves are a sign they care
Teaching simple breathing or grounding techniques
Using positive language: “You’re ready for this” rather than “Don’t worry”
Reminding them that the interview is just a conversation
If they’ve visualised the interview going well (something we use in The Exam Coach workshops) they will often enter the room with a calmer, more optimistic mindset.
Arriving at the School
First impressions begin the moment they walk through the door. Encourage your child to:
Smile at the receptionist or staff member greeting them
Offer a polite “Good morning”
Hold doors open when appropriate
Speak clearly when giving their name
Simple manners signal confidence, kindness, and maturity, qualities independent schools value highly.
Before the Interview Begins
Depending on the school, your child might:
Wait briefly in a common room or reception area
Be met by a teacher or admissions staff member
Join a small group of other candidates
Sit down for a short reading or warm-up activity
Most schools aim to reduce stress, not increase it, so the waiting period is usually short and friendly.
This is also a good opportunity to remind your child of one final tip: breathe, smile, and be themselves.
What Should Your Child Do During the Interview?
Once your child is inside the interview room, the focus shifts to communication, confidence, and connection. Schools aren’t looking for polished public speakers, just children who can express themselves clearly, think aloud, and show enthusiasm for learning.
Confidence Matters (But Doesn’t Need to Be Perfect)
The goal isn’t to appear fearless, it’s to appear engaged. Even shy children can come across confidently when they use simple techniques:
Make eye contact with the interviewer
Sit up straight, with relaxed shoulders
Smile and show warmth
Speak at a steady pace, not too fast
Listen carefully before responding
These signals show that a child is open, interested, and ready to take part in the conversation. Interviewers can usually tell within the first minute whether a child feels supported and prepared. Calm, friendly body language can make all the difference.
Communicate Clearly
Schools value clarity over complexity. Your child doesn’t need long, elaborate answers, they just need to show they can think and explain their ideas.
Encourage them to:
Avoid one-word answers
Give short but thoughtful explanations
Share small examples when helping to illustrate a point
Ask for a question to be repeated if needed (this is perfectly acceptable)
Show Curiosity and Interest
Interviewers want to feel that your child is genuinely excited about learning and school life. Small behaviours help:
Showing enthusiasm when talking about a favourite subject
Mentioning something specific they appreciate about the school
Asking one simple, polite question at the end (e.g., “What clubs do Year 7 students enjoy most?”)
One well-chosen question demonstrates confidence, maturity, and engagement.
Be Themselves
Above all, schools want to meet the real child. Authenticity always comes across more strongly than scripted, polished responses.
Remind your child:
They don’t need to impress with “big achievements”
Honest answers are always the best answers
Mistakes or pauses are normal
Their personality is what will make them memorable
Interviewers see hundreds of children; the ones who shine are those who speak naturally, smile, and share genuine interests.
Common Interview Question Themes
Every school has its own style, but almost all 11 Plus interviews draw from the same broad set of themes. Understanding these topic areas helps children feel prepared without needing to memorise long lists of questions. Below are the major categories your child is most likely to encounter.
1. “Tell Me About Yourself” Questions
These are warm-up questions designed to help children settle into the conversation. They might explore:
Hobbies and interests
Favourite subjects
What they enjoy at school
Activities they do outside the classroom
Encourage your child to smile and talk naturally. These are the easiest questions to get comfortable with.
2. Questions About Strengths, Achievements, and Challenges
Schools want to understand what children are proud of and what they are working on.
Your child may be asked to reflect on:
An achievement they are proud of
A time they learned something new
A subject they find challenging
How they stay organised or manage time
These questions reward self-awareness rather than perfection. Even small examples work well.
3. Reading, Learning and Curiosity
Interviewers often ask about what a child is reading or learning, because it reveals:
Their curiosity
Their interests
Their ability to talk about ideas
Typical prompts include:
A book they’ve enjoyed recently
A topic that fascinated them
Something they’d like to explore further
Children don’t need “impressive” answers, genuine interest always sounds stronger than rehearsed expectations.
4. Teamwork, Character, and Community
These questions help schools understand your child’s social awareness and values. They often touch on:
Teamwork experiences
Times they’ve helped others
Friendships
Leadership moments
Contributions to school life
Even a simple example from a playground situation or a group project can show maturity and empathy.
5. Problem-Solving and Thinking Skills
Many schools include reflective questions such as:
How do you approach a problem?
What would you do if you were stuck?
How do you handle difficult situations?
6. Motivation and “Why This School?”
This is one of the most important interview themes. Schools want children who will make the most of what they offer.
Your child might be asked:
What they like about the school
What they look forward to joining
How they will contribute to the community
Offer guidance, but make sure the answer feels authentic.
How Parents Can Support Without Over-Coaching
Parents play a crucial role in helping children feel calm, confident, and ready for their 11 Plus interview. However, it’s important to strike the right balance: support and guide them, but avoid turning preparation into something scripted or stressful.
Here are the most effective ways to help your child thrive, while keeping the process positive and manageable.
Encourage, Don’t Over-Correct
Children open up more when they feel supported rather than critiqued. Instead of correcting every pause or hesitation, try:
“I really liked how you explained that.”
“That was a great example. What else could you add?”
“How did you feel answering that one?”
This builds confidence without making the interview feel like another exam.
Practise Little and Often
Short, informal conversations work far better than long practice sessions. Aim for:
5–10 minute chats
In the car, at dinner, or on a walk
Where you ask one or two interview-style questions
Children remember more when preparation feels like conversation, not revision.
Celebrate Small Improvements
Whether it’s better eye contact, clearer explanations, or simply being brave enough to try a tricky question, acknowledging progress helps enormously.
Confidence grows from evidence, and your child needs to see their progress through your reactions.
Model Calmness
Your tone becomes their tone. If a parent views the interview as high-stakes or intimidating, children often absorb that feeling.
Try framing interviews as:
An opportunity
A learning experience
A chance to show who they are
A conversation with a friendly teacher
This reframing helps children enter the room feeling supported rather than scrutinised.
Let Your Child Take Ownership
Encourage your child to:
Pick the achievements they want to talk about
Choose what to include in their portfolio (if any)
Practise describing their interests in their own words
Ownership leads to authenticity, and authenticity is exactly what interviewers are looking for.
After the Interview: What Happens Next?
Once the interview is over, both parents and children often feel a rush of relief, and then the inevitable question: “What happens now?” The period after the interview is just as important as the preparation beforehand, especially for maintaining your child’s confidence and supporting their overall wellbeing. Here’s what to expect.
What to Do Immediately After the Interview
When you meet your child afterwards, keep the conversation light and positive. Instead of asking:
“How did it go?”
“Did you answer everything correctly?”
Try gentler, open questions:
“What part did you enjoy most?”
“Was there anything surprising?”
“How do you feel now that it's done?”
This helps your child focus on their experience rather than over-analysing individual answers.
When Will You Hear Back?
Timelines vary by school, but most independent schools:
Inform candidates of results within a few weeks
Release all offers at the same time during the main 11+ admissions cycle
Provide clear dates on their websites or invitation letters
If you haven't heard by the expected date, it’s fine to contact admissions politely. Schools understand parents may have multiple deadlines to manage. Remember each school is different, for up-to-date timelines, please see the website of your target school.
Reflecting on the Experience
Regardless of the outcome, the interview is a valuable learning moment for your child. After a few days, you can gently revisit the experience:
What did they feel proud of?
What did they learn about themselves?
What would they like to improve next time?
This reflection builds resilience and self-awareness, key qualities for secondary school and beyond.
How The Exam Coach Can Help With Interview Preparation
When your child is approaching interview stage, it helps enormously to have structured support from a trusted provider. At The Exam Coach we offer a dedicated 11 Plus School Interview Preparation Sessions designed to build confidence, refine communication, and familiarise students with what independent schools expect.
What Our Interview sessions involve
Our interview workshop is built around the key skills schools look for in successful candidates. During the session, students learn how to:
✔ Understand what interviewers are really looking for
We break down the purpose of a school interview, the qualities schools value most, and how students can demonstrate these naturally and confidently.
✔ Answer common interview questions with clarity and structure
Students learn how to respond to typical question themes such as:
Talking about themselves
Strengths and achievements
Handling challenges
Favourite subjects
Reading and curiosity
Teamwork, resilience, and school life
We also introduce them to a simple, reliable structure for giving thoughtful, well-organised answers.
✔ Present themselves with confidence
Children are taught practical communication skills, including:
Body language and posture
Eye contact and active listening
Speaking clearly and at the right pace
Staying calm when thinking on the spot
✔ Use examples from their own experiences
We help students identify suitable personal examples they can draw upon during the interview – from hobbies to school projects to small moments that show character.
✔ Ask thoughtful questions at the end of the interview
Students learn how to show genuine interest in the school, and how to end the interview politely and confidently.
✔ Manage nerves and develop a positive interview mindset
The session includes child-friendly confidence techniques, so students feel prepared, calm, and ready to engage.
Why it works
Our interview workshops aren’t about learning scripted answers. They are about preparing children to think clearly, speak naturally, and show the best version of themselves in the short space of a school interview. The small-group online format ensures each student can be seen and supported within a friendly environment.
How it fits into your child’s preparation
Use the session as a milestone in the lead-up to the real interview: your child gains exposure to interview-style questions, receives feedback and leaves with actionable points.
Follow it up with light home practice: review the worksheet, discuss practise questions, and review how your child feels about their speaking style and confidence.
Integrate the session into your overall 11 Plus preparation routine: it complements academic work (comprehension, verbal reasoning, writing) and focuses specifically on communication and mindset.
Many of the UK’s top independent schools include interviews as a core part of their admissions process. With the right guidance, your child can walk into the room feeling confident, prepared, and proud of who they are.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When do 11 Plus interviews usually take place?
Most independent schools hold interviews between November and February, depending on their admissions cycle. Some schools interview all candidates; others only interview those who perform well in the entrance exam.
2. How long does a typical interview last?
Most interviews last 10–20 minutes. Some schools also include group tasks or small activities alongside the individual interview.
3. Are interviews formal or friendly?
Nearly all 11 Plus interviews are friendly, conversational, and relaxed. Teachers are experienced at speaking with young children and do not expect adult-level responses.
4. Will my child be tested academically during the interview?
Academic questions are possible, but they are usually light and exploratory. The focus is on how your child thinks, not whether they already know the “right” answer.
5. How much preparation should we do at home?
Short, calm practice sessions work best. A few minutes a day of gentle conversation and reflection is more effective than long rehearsals.
6. What if my child is shy or anxious?
Shy children can still perform brilliantly. Schools look for authenticity and kindness, not extroversion. Practising simple confidence techniques and doing a mock interview can make a big difference.
7. Should my child memorise answers?
No. Memorised answers sound unnatural and can increase stress. Schools want to meet the real child — natural, honest answers are far more effective.
8. What if my child doesn’t know the answer to a question?
It’s perfectly acceptable for a child to pause, think, or ask for the question to be repeated. Interviewers understand that children get nervous.
9. Can parents sit in the interview?
Interviews are mostly held with the child and interviewer only. Please contact your school for further information on this.
10. What should my child wear?
If the school requests it, wear your child’s current school uniform. Otherwise, choose neat, smart clothing that helps your child feel comfortable and confident.
Other Complete 11 Plus Preparation Guides
For more help with the academic and skills-based parts of the 11 Plus, explore our most popular guides:
📚 11 Plus Comprehension Guide
https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-blog/comprehension-guide🧠 11 Plus Verbal Reasoning Guide
https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-blog/verbal-reasoning-guide✏️ 11 Plus Creative Writing Guide
https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-blog/creative-writing-guide🖊️ 11 Plus Persuasive Writing Guide
https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-blog/persuasive-writing-guide
These guides complement the interview preparation process by strengthening the core literacy and communication skills that many schools look for in successful applicants.
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