Private school interviews are often seen as high-stakes events, and it’s natural for both parents and children to want to put their best foot forward. However, in the quest to impress, it’s easy to fall into the trap of over-rehearsed answers, exaggerated achievements, or trying to be someone you’re not. The reality is that private schools are not looking for perfection—they’re looking for authenticity.

Admissions teams conduct interviews to understand your child as a person, not just as a student. They want to see personality, curiosity, and genuine enthusiasm shine through. Authenticity isn’t just about being honest with answers—it’s about being yourself and letting your child do the same.

1. Why Authenticity Matters to Private Schools

Private schools aim to build a community where children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. They’re not just assessing your child’s academic abilities—they’re looking for character, resilience, and a willingness to grow. An interview filled with overly polished, scripted answers can feel hollow and unconvincing.

When your child answers questions honestly and naturally, interviewers can better understand whether they’ll be a good fit for the school. A child who feels comfortable being themselves during an interview is also more likely to settle in and flourish if accepted.

Authenticity extends to parents as well. Schools value parents who are transparent, supportive, and aligned with the school’s ethos.

2. The Risks of Over-Preparation and Scripting Answers

While practice is essential, over-preparing can have the opposite effect. Memorised answers often sound robotic and insincere, and interviewers can easily spot when a child has been coached.

For example, if a child is asked, “What’s your favourite subject, and why?” and responds with a rehearsed line like, “I love science because it allows me to explore the wonders of the universe and think critically,” it may sound impressive, but lacks personality. A more genuine answer might be, “I like science because I get to do experiments and figure out how things work. I especially enjoyed our volcano project last year.”

Encourage your child to think about key themes they might want to talk about, but avoid having them memorise full answers.

3. Teach Your Child It’s Okay Not to Have All the Answers

One of the biggest fears children face in interviews is not knowing how to answer a question. They might feel pressure to have an impressive response to everything, but interviewers don’t expect children to know it all.

If your child doesn’t know the answer to a question, reassure them that it’s perfectly fine to admit it. A polite response like, “I’m not sure about that, but I’d love to learn more about it,” demonstrates honesty and curiosity—two qualities schools value highly.

Encourage your child to take their time, think, and respond naturally, even if that means admitting they’re unsure.

4. Share Real Stories and Experiences

Stories are powerful tools in interviews because they showcase authenticity and personality. When children share real-life examples instead of vague or generic answers, they become more memorable.

If your child is asked, “Can you tell me about a time you worked as part of a team?” a genuine answer could be, “During a group project in class, one of my teammates was shy about sharing their ideas. I encouraged them to speak up, and their idea ended up being a big part of our project.”

Real stories are far more engaging and relatable than rehearsed answers. Help your child identify a few meaningful experiences from school, home, or hobbies that they can share naturally.

5. Parents: Be Honest About Your Child’s Strengths and Weaknesses

During parent interviews, admissions staff might ask about your child’s strengths and areas for improvement. It can be tempting to paint a picture of perfection, but schools appreciate honesty and self-awareness.

If your child struggles with public speaking or finds it difficult to focus on certain tasks, acknowledge it—but frame it positively. For example, “My child sometimes hesitates to speak up in class discussions, but they’ve been working on building their confidence by volunteering answers more often.”

This shows that you understand your child and are actively supporting their growth.

6. Highlight Curiosity and Enthusiasm

One of the most important qualities interviewers look for in children is genuine curiosity. Private schools want students who love to learn, ask questions, and explore new ideas.

Encourage your child to let their curiosity shine during the interview. If they’re genuinely interested in a subject, activity, or school programme, let them express that enthusiasm naturally.

For example: “I’m really excited about the school’s art studio because I love painting. I’d love to try some of the techniques I’ve seen in your student gallery online.”

These small moments of genuine excitement leave a strong impression.

7. Don’t Oversell—Let Your Child Shine

As a parent, it’s natural to want to highlight your child’s achievements, but it’s important not to dominate the conversation or oversell their abilities. Schools aren’t just looking at what your child has achieved—they’re looking at their potential, personality, and character.

Avoid interrupting or answering questions on your child’s behalf. Let them have space to speak, even if they hesitate. Their voice is the one the admissions team wants to hear.

8. Be Authentic in Your Own Answers

When you, as a parent, are asked about your family, your expectations, or your involvement in your child’s education, be honest and sincere. Schools value parents who are engaged, supportive, and aligned with their values.

For example, if asked, “How do you support your child’s education at home?” you might answer, “We prioritise reading together as a family, and we encourage our child to ask questions and explore topics they’re curious about.”

Authentic answers are always more compelling than overly polished or exaggerated ones.

9. Remind Your Child That Interviews Are Conversations, Not Tests

Reframing the interview as a conversation can help your child feel more at ease. Remind them that the interviewer isn’t trying to ‘catch them out’ or test their knowledge—they simply want to get to know them better.

Encourage your child to view the interview as an opportunity to share who they are and learn more about the school. This mindset shift can reduce nerves and help them speak more naturally.

10. Trust the Process and Be Yourself

At the end of the day, private school interviews are about finding the right fit for both the child and the school. If your child feels pressured to pretend to be someone they’re not, it might indicate that the school isn’t the best match for them.

Trust that being genuine and honest is the best approach. Schools value children and families who are authentic, reflective, and excited about becoming part of their community.

Final Thoughts

Authenticity is the secret ingredient to a successful private school interview. When your child speaks honestly, shares real stories, and approaches the conversation with curiosity and confidence, they leave a lasting impression.

As a parent, your role is to support, encourage, and remind your child that their unique personality is their greatest strength. By focusing on being real rather than being perfect, you and your child will approach the interview room with confidence, clarity, and sincerity.

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