More Than an Interview: What 16+ Entry Really Tests

1.  Academic Promise and Readiness for Advanced Study

Each independent school in the UK sets its own format for Sixth Form entrance. For most, the process includes subject-specific exams that often extend beyond the standard GCSE syllabus.

Take Westminster, for example. Their entrance papers stretch students to apply their knowledge in unfamiliar scenarios. St Paul’s School favours analytical rigour in its assessments, especially for humanities applicants. Meanwhile, Dulwich College and City of London School typically ask candidates to sit exams in their chosen A Level or IB subjects, helping assess suitability for advanced courses.

Schools such as Oundle and Rugby sometimes opt for a broader exam base including English, Maths and reasoning. What unites them all is their interest in intellectual potential, not just raw scores. They are looking for learners who think independently and enjoy academic challenge.

2.  Thinking on Your Feet: What Interviews Really Measure

The interview is often the moment students focus on most, and rightly so. It is the most direct way a school can assess how you think, respond, and communicate.

At Winchester College, questions might be abstract or philosophical. At City of London, you could be handed an unseen poem or a provocative political statement to discuss. What matters is not how quickly you can impress, but how clearly you can express your ideas, how well you listen, and whether you are curious and open-minded.

Schools often use this time to understand more about your academic interests, your character, and your wider contributions. Expect questions about your favourite subjects, your reading, your hobbies and your ambitions. They may ask what challenges you have overcome, or how you engage with views different from your own.

This is not a test of perfection. It is about authentic, thoughtful engagement. If you’d like to have an opportunity to practice your interview technique in advance of the real thing, our 16+ interview specialists would be delighted to support. 

3.  Drive, Direction and Initiative

Sixth Form is a time of growing independence, and schools want to know you are ready for that. One way they assess this is through the personal statement. This short piece of writing should capture your academic interests, the reasons behind your subject choices, your extra-curricular life and any goals you are working towards.

At schools like Stowe, Uppingham and Rugby, where holistic development is central, students are expected to take an active role in the wider life of the school. Whether through sports, music, drama, service or leadership, schools want to see that you are motivated to engage and contribute.

4.  Finding the Right Fit

Sixth Form places are highly competitive, especially at leading schools. Some, like Eton, offer as few as four places per year. Others, such as Westminster (for girls joining at 16+), Cheltenham Ladies’ College, or Sevenoaks, offer more substantial Sixth Form intake but are still highly selective.

The number of places available often reflects a school’s structure or size. For instance:

• Westminster: 70–80 places for girls
• City of London School for Girls: 15–20 places
• Charterhouse, Wellington, King’s Canterbury: 50–80 places

This is why interviews are so important. Schools are not just building an academic cohort, they are building a community. They want students who will participate fully and positively in school life.

At boarding schools like Dulwich or Oundle, Sixth Formers often take on significant responsibility. Schools are looking for students who will be role models, mentors, and leaders.

5.  A Timeline for Success

Applications for Sixth Form usually follow a clear timeline:

• September (Year 11): Registration deadline
• October–November: Entrance exams and interviews
• December: Offers released

In most cases, offers are conditional on GCSE grades. Applications typically include:

• A completed registration form and fee
• A personal statement
• School reports and predicted grades
• A reference from the current school
• Performance in entrance exams and interviews

To give yourself the best chance, early preparation is essential. We recommend beginning in spring of Year 10. That leaves time to choose subjects thoughtfully, explore academic interests beyond the syllabus, practise exam technique, and prepare for interview questions.

Schools may or may not offer past papers, but even when they do not, it is useful to review material from other academically similar schools. Enjoy Education’s diagnostic assessments can also help identify and address knowledge gaps before entrance tests.

Looking Ahead

Sixth Form entry can be competitive, but it is also a chance for real growth. Students who embrace the process with curiosity and commitment often emerge more confident and self-aware, regardless of outcome.

At Enjoy Education, we guide families through every stage of the 16+ journey. Our expert consultants support school choices tailored to each student’s academic and personal goals. Our specialist tutors help students practise and master challenging 16+ exam content. And our interview coaches work one-to-one to build confidence, communication skills and clarity of thought.