School entrance interviews are an essential part of the admissions process for selective, private schools. For children sitting the 7+, 8+, 11+ or 13+ exams, the interview goes beyond testing knowledge. It is a chance to show personality, curiosity and confidence, and to connect with a school on a personal level.
Over the past 20 years at Enjoy Education, we have helped thousands of families prepare for these important conversations.
Entrance interviews allow schools to see the child behind the exam results. They help teachers understand how a pupil might fit within their community, contribute to school life and grow in confidence over time.
Schools are not only looking for academic ability, but also for students who can think independently, communicate thoughtfully and show genuine curiosity about the world around them.
Each age group faces its own set of challenges and opportunities when it comes to interview preparation. Our sessions are designed to meet children exactly where they are in their learning journey.
At 7+, schools are looking for curiosity, confidence and kindness as much as academic ability. Most interviews are informal conversations or short group tasks designed to see how children listen, share ideas and express themselves.
Schools value natural, thoughtful answers over rehearsed ones. Encourage your child to talk about what they enjoy learning, a favourite book or hobby, or how they solved a tricky problem. Regular conversation at home builds these skills far better than formal practice.
At Enjoy Education, we use play-based mock interviews to help children relax and show their natural curiosity and confidence.
By 11+, schools expect children to think independently and talk with self-awareness. Interviews often explore what motivates them, how they contribute to school life and what interests them beyond the classroom.
Encourage your child to research the school, reflect on what excites them about learning and practise talking about recent projects or activities. Discussing simple current topics helps build confidence in sharing opinions.
At Enjoy Education, we offer mock interviews with ex-Headteachers so that our students can understand and feel how an 11+ interview might run.
For those taking the 13+ route, interviews test maturity, curiosity and readiness for senior school life. Schools want to see how students think, communicate and reflect on their experiences.
These schools register children around Year 5 or Year 6, assess through pre-tests and then conduct interviews either at the pre-test stage or in Year 8. Leading schools such as Eton, Harrow, Westminster, Winchester and St Paul’s all include an interview as part of the process.
Encourage your child to think about what they enjoy academically and personally, and to express balanced views on wider issues or challenges they have faced. Gentle mock interviews help them practise staying calm and clear under pressure.
Our one-to-one 13+ interview sessions help students build confidence, think on their feet and show their readiness for senior school life.
Although no two interviews are the same, there are common themes that can help children feel prepared.
Ready to begin preparing?
Contact us today to arrange personalised interview preparation with our expert team.
Let’s help your child build the confidence to shine.
By Marketing Team