Preparing your child for an independent school interview is about more than memorising answers—it’s about helping them feel comfortable, confident, and ready to communicate naturally. Mock interviews are one of the most effective ways to prepare, providing children with a safe space to practise answering questions, refine their communication skills, and build self-assurance before the real thing.

But how can parents run a mock interview at home without it feeling forced or overly formal? In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to set up, conduct, and review a successful mock interview, ensuring your child gets the most out of the experience.

If you want expert-led coaching and structured preparation, consider enrolling in our Independent School Interview Course or booking Online Coaching Sessions for personalised support.

1. Set the Right Environment

The setting for your mock interview plays an essential role in helping your child take the exercise seriously while still feeling comfortable. Choose a quiet space free from distractions, such as a dining room table or a home office.

Make sure your child is seated comfortably and the area feels professional yet relaxed. Encourage them to dress smartly, as they would for the actual interview—it helps create the right mindset and adds a layer of authenticity to the experience.

As a parent, approach the session calmly and without too much formality. You want your child to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, not pressured to perform perfectly.

2. Plan the Interview Structure

A good mock interview should mimic the structure of a real one. Start with a friendly introduction to put your child at ease, followed by a series of commonly asked questions. Conclude with a chance for your child to ask you (as the ‘interviewer’) any questions they might have about the school.

Structure your session as follows:

• Introduction: Begin with a smile and some casual conversation to break the ice.
• Main Questions: Ask 8–10 varied questions, including ones about your child’s hobbies, academic strengths, and personal experiences.
• Wrap-Up: End on a positive note, thanking your child for their time and effort.

If you need guidance on what to ask, refer to our Independent School Interview Question Bank for a detailed list of student interview questions.

3. Start with Easy Questions

To build your child’s confidence, start with simple, open-ended questions they’ll find easy to answer. Questions like, “What do you enjoy doing in your free time?” or “Tell me about your favourite subject at school” are great warm-up prompts.

Once your child is feeling more relaxed, you can move on to slightly more reflective or challenging questions, such as:

• “Can you tell me about a time you worked as part of a team?”
• “What do you do when you find something difficult in school?”

Avoid jumping straight into complex or intimidating questions, as this can cause unnecessary stress.

4. Focus on Communication Skills

While your child’s answers are important, how they communicate is equally crucial. Encourage them to:

• Make natural eye contact during the conversation.
• Speak clearly and at a steady pace.
• Use specific examples rather than vague answers.
• Smile naturally and maintain positive body language.

Remind them that it’s okay to pause and think before answering a question. Rushing through answers can make them sound nervous, while a thoughtful pause often conveys maturity.

5. Teach Them to Handle Unexpected Questions

In every interview, there’s a chance your child might face an unexpected or tricky question. Teach them that it’s perfectly okay to pause, think, and respond honestly if they’re unsure.

For example:

• “I’m not sure about that, but I’d love to learn more about it.”
• “Can I think about that for a moment?”

Handling uncertainty with grace and honesty shows confidence and maturity—qualities that interviewers value highly.

6. Role-Play Different Scenarios

Vary your mock interviews to prepare your child for different situations. Switch roles between a friendly interviewer and a more formal one to help your child adapt to different styles.

Introduce follow-up questions to encourage deeper thinking, such as:

• “That’s an interesting answer—can you tell me more about that?”
• “What did you learn from that experience?”

This approach will make your child more adaptable and less likely to be caught off guard on the day.

7. Provide Constructive Feedback

After the mock interview, review the session thoughtfully and constructively. Start with positive observations:

• “I really liked how you answered the question about your favourite book—you gave great detail!”

Then, gently introduce areas for improvement:

• “Next time, try to slow down a little when answering questions. It’ll help your answers sound clearer.”

Avoid overwhelming your child with too many critiques at once. Instead, focus on one or two key areas for improvement and celebrate their progress.

8. Practise Regularly, But Keep It Fun

Consistency is key to building confidence, but avoid overdoing it. Too many mock interviews can feel repetitive and stressful. Aim for one or two sessions per week, depending on your child’s needs and comfort level.

Mix things up with role-reversal exercises where your child becomes the interviewer, or keep a light-hearted tone by adding fun questions like, “If you could invent a new school subject, what would it be?”

9. Encourage Self-Reflection

After each mock interview, ask your child how they felt about their performance. Did they feel confident? Was there a question they found particularly challenging?

Self-reflection helps your child become more aware of their strengths and areas for growth, building resilience along the way.

10. Consider Professional Support

If you’d like additional support, personalised coaching can be incredibly effective. Our Independent School Online Coaching Sessions provide tailored guidance to address your child’s specific needs, delivered by experienced interview experts.

For parents seeking deeper insights into the admissions process, our Free Independent School Interview Webinar for Parents offers expert tips and practical advice.

Final Thoughts

Mock interviews are an invaluable tool for building confidence, refining answers, and helping your child approach their independent school interview with a sense of readiness. By creating a calm environment, focusing on communication, and offering thoughtful feedback, you’ll set your child up for success.

Remember, interviews aren’t about perfection—they’re about showing personality, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn. With preparation, support, and a little practice, your child will walk into that interview room feeling confident, capable, and ready to shine.

Let me know if you’d like me to move on to the next blog post!