In this webinar Keystone’s Managing Director, Ed Richardson was joined by Director of Asia, Jenny McGowan, and Head of Consultancy, Harriet Brook, to discuss school entrance interviews. They share their insights on tackling school entrance interviews for independent schools and cover the following topics:
- What interviewers are looking for
- How to present yourself effectively
- What makes a good answer
- Example question types
This webinar is appropriate for all students with upcoming school entrance interviews from 7+ to 16+.
Links Mentioned in the Webinar:
Below are sample questions that UK independent schools may ask during their interview process at different age levels.
7/8+ Sample Interview Questions:
- Can you tell me about your family?
- What do you like to do on the weekend?
- Describe your favourite toy. Why is it your favourite toy?
- What are your hobbies?
- What is your favourite place?
- Can you tell me about your school?
- What do you like about your school?
- What is your favourite subject?
- What would you like to learn more about at school?
- Would you prefer to play football or go swimming?
- Do you think it is better to win one big race or five small races?
- Would you rather play in mud or sand?
- Would you rather blow a trumpet, bang a drum or sing a tune?
After reading a passage, questions may include:
- What happened?
- Can you describe this character?
- What was the problem in this story?
- What do you think this word means?
11/13+ Sample Interview Questions:
Family:
- How do you like to spend time as a family?
- Tell me about your parents and siblings.
Your School:
- What is your favourite thing about your current school?
- If you were the headteacher what might you change?
Reading:
- Tell me about what you are reading at the moment.
- Who is your favourite author?
- What is your favourite genre?
Academics:
- What are your favourite and least favourite subjects?
- Are there any new subjects you would like to learn?
Extra-curriculars:
- Tell me about your current extra-curricluar interests.
- What interests would you like to pursue further at your new school?
- Do you prefer team or individual sports?
Hobbies:
- What do you like to do in your free time?
- If you had a weekend to yourself, what would you do?
Achievements/Strengths:
- What would you say is your greatest achievement to date?
- How would you like to be remembered by your current teachers?
- How would your best friend describe you?
- Which 3 words describe you best?
School Choice:
- What is it about this school (the one being applied for) that most excites you?
- What would your contribution to the school be?
- Why are you considering boarding/single-sex/co-ed?
- Are you applying to other schools, which ones?
- Do you have any questions for us?
Logical/Lateral Thinking:
- Is it better to be nice or right?
- Is learning languages still worthwhile given the accuracy of translation apps?
- Will AI replace teachers?
- Is it the responsibility of the government or individuals to solve climate change?
Academic Tasks:
- Poem: what do you think this poem is about?
- Mental maths: if P = 4 + 2m, find ‘P’ when ‘m’ equals 6.
- Photograph: where do you think this was taken and when?
Object/ Piece of Work (if requested in advance):
- Tell me why you brought this object.
- What are you most proud of in this work?
- How would you improve it next time?
16+ Sample Interview Questions
Questions will be asked similar to those outlined above about school choice, extra-curriculars and hobbies but further questions around:
Academics:
- What is your strongest/weakest GSCE subject?
- How do you motivate yourself to revise independently?
Subject Choices:
- Why have you chosen this A Level/IB subject? Followed by academic questions about the subject.
- Which subject do you think you will find the most challenging?
Future Plans:
- What do you want to study at university?
- What careers/professions are you interested in?
- What skills are important for this career/profession?