Preparation for 11+ and 13+ interviews is as important, and in some cases more important, than the entrance exams themselves, especially when the competition for places is fierce, and the calibre of the students applying is exceptional.
It is very common for families to focus their energy on excelling at the exams. We understand why this is. The papers are visible, measurable, and easy to practice.
However, we understand from years of experience securing places for our students at the most super-selective schools in London and the UK that the interview and assessment day often decide between candidates whose exam scores are almost identical.
By the time a child reaches the interview, the school already knows they are academically capable. At this stage, the interviewer wants to know who they are, how they think, and whether they have the qualities and characteristics to thrive at the school.
Whether your child is sitting for 11+ entry or starting the 13+ journey with a pre-test and interview in Year 6 or 7, the principles below will help to prepare your child.
What super-selective schools are really looking for in 11+ & 13+ interviews
The admissions teams we work closely with are looking for something exceptional in the students applying for a place at their school: imagination to think and do things differently, a specialist interest in something surprising, or an approach to learning that differs from their peers.
Four qualities come up again and again across the Independent schools we prepare children for;
Curiosity in a child who asks questions, follows a thought, and is interested in ideas beyond the syllabus.
Ability to think out loud and solve problems without fear of judgment or answering incorrectly. Schools are interested in how well a child reasons, rather than reaching a perfect answer.
Resilience in how a child responds to something unfamiliar or difficult signals to the interviewer that the child will remain calm and composed under pressure, even when they may not know the answer.
Character and kindness shown in group activities can indicate how well a child will listen, contribute, and include others in collaborative team environments.
Schools are not looking for a well-rehearsed performance. Experienced interviewers recognise a scripted answer within seconds, and it can often work against an otherwise strong candidate. Interviewers are far more interested in understanding if your child has the qualities and characteristics needed to thrive and contribute positively at the school.
Interview preparation in the months before
Good interview preparation is a gradual process designed to reassure, build quiet confidence, and develop the positive habits your child needs to sail successfully through their 11+ and 13+ interviews and beyond. Very few children are naturally gifted speakers; many will find the school interview process incredibly daunting and overwhelming. This is normal and to be expected, especially if this is their first time going through the UK’s independent schools entry process.
There are a few things you can do to help prepare your child for school interviews:
Broaden their understanding of the world through books, exhibitions, documentaries and discussions about the news at supper. In our experience, children who are encouraged to develop their own opinions about the world often find interviews easier, because they feel comfortable articulating their thoughts on a range of topics and have real experience debating their ideas in a safe setting.
Practice conversations with different adults. Many children feel confident expressing their ideas with friends and family only to become shy with an unfamiliar adult. Regular, low-stakes conversations with grandparents, family friends or a tutor make a real difference.
Know and be able to articulate their own story. Your child should be able to talk naturally about what they enjoy, a book they loved, or something they found hard and overcame. You can help your child reflect on their story by providing a safe space to practice telling their story out loud to others.
Get comfortable with not knowing. Practise open-ended puzzles and "what if" questions. The aim is for "I haven't come across that before, but..." to feel like a perfectly good start.
Understand your selected school's interview and admissions formats. Some schools hold one-to-one interviews, some use group discussions or problem-solving tasks, and some ask children to read and respond to an unseen text. Knowing what to expect removes much of the anxiety.
Rehearse the practicalities. For international families, a mock interview over video or in person, in English, can be especially valuable, as can a visit to London ahead of the day.
Navigating the day of your child’s entrance interview
Listen to the whole question, and repeat aloud if needed. A short pause before answering demonstrates an active thought process.
Show your working. If the question is a puzzle, talk through the approach. Interviewers will often guide a child who is reasoning well.
It is fine to change your mind. "Actually, I think I'd revise that" is a sign of a mature thinker.
Ask thoughtful questions back. A genuine question about the school, a subject or a society leaves a lasting impression.
Be honest about what you've read. Interviewers frequently ask follow-up questions. A child who mentions a book they haven't finished or read will be found out quickly.
In group activities
Contribute, then listen. One thoughtful idea, followed by building on someone else's, shows more than talking throughout.
Include the quiet or shy child. Assessors notice the candidate who asks "What do you think?" of someone who hasn't spoken.
Stay calm if things go wrong. If the task falls apart, calmly suggesting a way forward is exactly what assessors hope to see.
Interview prep the day before
A good night's sleep, a proper breakfast and arriving with time to spare matter more than any last-minute revision. Dress comfortably and smartly, following any guidance from the school.
Where families sometimes make a mistake
The most common mistakes come from caring, which is entirely understandable.
Over-coaching. Polished, memorised answers about "my passion for Latin" sound hollow and fake. Schools want to see the child’s character and personality, not their acting skills.
Adding pressure in the final days. Children read their parents' nerves closely. A calm, ordinary week before the assessment is one of the most useful things a family can give.
Selecting one school as the only option. A child who feels everything rests on one interview is unlikely to show their best self. A well-balanced list of schools protects confidence as well as outcomes.
Reading too much into the day itself. Children often come out convinced it went badly when it went well, or the reverse. Avoid a detailed debrief in the car; a warm lunch will do far more good.
Your parental role is quietly supportive: setting up the right experiences beforehand, keeping things in proportion, and letting the child be themselves on the day.
What success looks like
Children who do best on assessment days are rarely the ones who have been drilled hardest. The most successful students are the ones who arrive feeling prepared, settled and quietly sure of themselves.
How we help families prepare for 11+ and 13+ entrance exams at London’s most competitive schools
At Beatrix Woodhead & Associates, interview and assessment preparation is shaped around each child and their selected schools. That may include mock interviews with feedback, practice with group tasks and unseen material, and calm, honest guidance for parents throughout the process.
Every family is fully supported with compassion, discretion and understanding.
If your child is preparing for 11+ or 13+ entry and you would like to talk through their next steps, we would be glad to hear from you.