Preparing for an independent school interview can feel like stepping into the unknown. Both parents and children often wonder: What will they ask me? How should I answer? What if I don’t know what to say? The truth is, while every school has its own approach to interviews, there are certain questions that come up time and time again.

This guide provides a comprehensive list of over 50 commonly asked interview questions for both students and parents. With preparation, reflection, and a touch of confidence, you’ll be able to approach the interview day with clarity and poise.

If you’re looking for step-by-step guidance and expert coaching, be sure to check out our Independent School Interview Course. It’s designed to help students and parents navigate the interview process with confidence.

Student Interview Questions

1. Getting to Know You

• Tell me a bit about yourself.
• How would your friends describe you?
• What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
• If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

2. Academic Interests

• What is your favourite subject at school, and why?
• Tell me about a recent school project you enjoyed.
• Which subject do you find most challenging, and how do you handle it?
• What book are you reading right now? Tell me about it.

3. Extracurricular Activities

• Do you play any sports or musical instruments?
• Have you ever been part of a team or club? What did you enjoy about it?
• Do you have any hobbies or creative interests?
• If you could start a club at our school, what would it be?

4. Problem-Solving and Challenges

• Tell me about a time you faced a challenge. How did you overcome it?
• Have you ever had to work with someone you didn’t get along with? How did you handle it?
• What do you do when you find something difficult?
• Describe a time you made a mistake and what you learned from it.

5. School-Specific Questions

• Why do you want to join our school?
• What do you know about our school?
• Are there any activities or clubs here that interest you?
• What are you most looking forward to about joining this school?

6. Personal Reflection

• What achievement are you most proud of?
• If you could change one thing about your current school, what would it be?
• Who do you admire the most, and why?
• What do you want to be when you grow up?

If your child needs help refining their answers and building interview confidence, our Independent School Online Coaching Sessions offer one-to-one guidance tailored to their unique strengths and personality.

Parent Interview Questions

1. About Your Child

• How would you describe your child in three words?
• What are your child’s strengths and weaknesses?
• How does your child respond to challenges?
• Can you share a moment when your child demonstrated resilience?

2. Educational Support

• How do you support your child’s education at home?
• How does your child handle homework and independent study?
• What approach do you take when your child faces academic difficulties?
• Are there any areas where your child might need extra support?

3. Family Values and Environment

• How would you describe your family’s values?
• What kind of learner is your child?
• How do you encourage curiosity and creativity at home?
• How do you balance academics, extracurriculars, and family life?

4. School Fit

• Why have you chosen our school for your child?
• What do you hope your child will gain from attending this school?
• How do you see yourself contributing to our school community?
• Are you aware of the school’s values and expectations?

5. Expectations and Goals

• What are your expectations of our school?
• What are your child’s long-term academic or personal goals?
• How do you see your child benefiting from the school’s programmes and ethos?
• Is there anything else you’d like us to know about your family?

If you’re feeling unsure about how to handle these questions or want expert insights into what interviewers are really looking for, join our Free Independent School Interview Webinar for Parents. It’s packed with valuable advice and actionable tips.

How to Use These Questions Effectively

1. Practise Without Pressure

Go through the questions with your child in a relaxed setting. Make it feel like a friendly conversation, not an interrogation.

2. Encourage Reflection

For deeper questions, help your child think about real-life experiences they can reference in their answers.

3. Focus on Key Themes

Your child doesn’t need to memorise answers. Instead, help them focus on key themes—like resilience, curiosity, or teamwork—that they can weave into their responses.

4. Be Honest and Authentic

Both you and your child should approach the interview with honesty and openness. Schools value sincerity over polished, rehearsed answers.

Final Thoughts

An independent school interview is a chance for both you and your child to shine. With thoughtful preparation, self-reflection, and a touch of confidence, you’ll be ready to make a lasting impression.

Use these questions as a guide, focus on being genuine, and remember—the interview is as much about finding the right fit for your child as it is about impressing the admissions team.

Good luck, and remember: preparation breeds confidence!

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