11 Plus Independent School Interview Questions

Introduction

 

After passing the 11 Plus exam, your child may be asked to attend an interview at their independent school of choice. Securing an independent school interview doesn’t guarantee entry and so you’ll need to take the time to help your child prepare.

 

In this post, we look at some ways you can help your child do well in the interview as well as the most common independent school interview questions.

 

The Purpose of the 11 Plus Interview

 

Before preparing for the interview, it’s essential to comprehend the purpose of the interview and what the school seeks in a candidate. While each independent school may have its nuances, the core objectives of the interview are generally consistent.

 

Primarily, the school aims to determine whether your child is a good fit for their environment. This includes assessing both academic and social compatibility and ensuring that your child’s behaviour aligns with the school’s expectations.

 

Furthermore, the school is interested in your child’s dedication to academics and involvement in extracurricular activities. Additionally, it’s important for the school to establish that it can meet your child’s educational needs and provide ongoing support throughout their academic journey.

 

Independent School Interview Tips

 

 

These are our general interview tips for independent schools. We would advise that parents and children research the school before the big day, so that you both have a good background knowledge of the school, including its achievements, subjects, activities and facilities.

 

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

 

This one goes without saying, but it’s important that your child is fresh and alert on the morning of their interview. It can help to keep your child calm the night before so that they feel relaxed and prepared the following day.

 

Don’t Worry About Nerves

 

Every adult knows about nerves before an interview, but what really helps is knowing that you’re prepared for every eventuality. Explain to your child that being a little nervous is actually a good thing as it shows that you care about the outcome and are getting prepared.

 

Dress Appropriately

 

It’s important that you and your child make a good first impression at the interview, so dress for the occasion. Try to strike a balance between formal and smart with your child’s without going over the top.

 

Arrive in Plenty of Time

 

Turning up seconds before the interview (or worse, late) and being flustered is far from ideal. Make sure that travel arrangements are already in place and that you’ve accounted for potential delays in traffic or public transport.

 

Remove All Distractions Beforehand

 

Before you enter the interview room with your child, make sure that you and your child’s mobile phone are switched off. It’s also a good idea to make sure that watches don’t beep and all other electronic equipment is left at home.

 

Encourage Your Child to be Honest

 

There’s no point in asking your child to pretend. Children find it far easier to tell the truth about their education and interests than to fabricate stories. Explain to your child that it’s okay to say that they don’t know, or that they don’t understand the question. The interviewer will be aware that your child won’t have any prior experience in independent school interviews.

 

Independent School Interview Questions

 

 

As previously noted, the specific questions asked during interviews vary from school to school. Nonetheless, there are common themes and types of questions that tend to be asked across various establishment. Below, we’ve outlined some general categories of questions that are frequently encountered in 11 Plus interviews, to give an idea of what might be expected.

 

Why are you interested in our school?

 

Here, the interview wants to know that firstly, your child knows a bit about the school, and secondly, that they’ll be a good fit. A good answer might include a little bit about the school’s history or achievements and a few personal reasons that relate to studying or future career aspirations.

 

Tell me about your current school…

 

This question gives your child the opportunity to talk positively about their time at school and their achievements.

 

Tell me about a current event that interests you…

 

Schools ask this question to gauge your child’s awareness of world events. Although they’re not expected to talk about current issues in great depth, it helps to have an example prepared beforehand.

 

What do you like to read outside of school?

 

This question provides the school with a good indication of how keen your child is to study outside of school and what reading level they are at.

 

What hobbies or interests do you have outside of school?

 

This question provides the opportunity to talk about the types of extra-curricular activities the school has to offer. The interviewer wants to know that your child is a good match academically and socially.

 

In short, it’s important to research the school before your child’s 11 Plus interview. Try to have a discussion with your child prior to interview so they have a framework in which to think about certain common questions. Let your child know that if they’re asked a question that they don’t know the answer to, they should keep calm and remember that questions can often be open ended with no specific right or wrong answer.

 

Actual 11 Plus Interview Question Examples

 

To ensure that your child is thoroughly prepared for the complexities of the 11+ Interview, we’ve compiled a list of sample questions that have been used in previous years at some of the country’s most competitive independent schools:

 

⦾ If I give you a photo that has been edited, does it matter? 

 

 ⦾ If you swear at someone in a different language, is it wrong?

 

⦾ Should there be equal pay at work for all professions? 

 

⦾ If you borrow a million pounds, are you a millionaire?  

 

⦾ Describe a computer to a Victorian.  

 

⦾ Should there be equal pay at work for all professions?

 

⦾ What would you choose to do if you could only do one for the rest of your life?  

 

⦾ Should rules be broken?  

 

⦾ You are a doctor with 6 patients. One patient is successfully kept alive on medication, while the other 5 require organ transplants. Would you choose to save the one person on medication, or allow them to die so their organs can be donated to the remaining 5 patients?  

 

⦾ What is the difference between knowledge and belief? / Is knowledge the same as belief?

 

Navigating the preparation for the 11+ Interview can be particularly challenging, especially when seeking admission to a highly competitive independent school. To ease this process and provide thorough guidance, we have developed an extensive 11+ Interview guide. This resource is designed to equip your child with a deep understanding of the interview process, covering various aspects from typical question types to effective communication techniques. It also includes tips on body language, managing interview anxiety, and strategies for making a positive impression, ensuring your child is well-prepared to confidently handle the nuances of the interview. Click the button below to learn more:

 

11+ Interview Guide

 

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