Schools are increasingly interviewing or observing children interacting in small groups, so there is a real benefit in preparing them to know what to expect, and how to manage themselves on the day. This is where the Dukes Tutoring 11+ group and individual mock interviews provide valuable preparation and practice.
Schools are increasingly interviewing or observing children interacting in small groups, so there is a real benefit in preparing them to know what to expect, and how to manage themselves on the day. This is where the Dukes Tutoring 11+ group and individual mock interviews provide valuable preparation and practice.
What Are 11+ Mock Interviews?
11+ mock interviews are a crucial part of preparation for students aiming to gain admission to selective secondary schools. These mock interviews mimic the real interview process that many schools use to assess candidates for their 11+ entrance exams. As part of the admissions process, schools often conduct interviews or observe students as they interact in small groups. The aim is to gauge their communication skills, ability to collaborate, leadership qualities, and overall behaviour.
At Dukes Tutoring, we offer both group and individual mock interviews, which provide students with the opportunity to practice and receive valuable feedback. Our mock interviews help children become comfortable with the interview setting, understand what to expect, and manage their nerves. The goal is to ensure students are well-prepared to present their best selves when the time comes for the real interview.
Group Mock Interviews
Our group interview consists of a three-hour session, with a maximum of 6 children in a group. The group interview tasks are delivered by a qualified, experienced senior teacher with an experienced member of the Dukes Tutoring team watching the children’s responses and writing up their observations and recommendations for each child. Each session is highly interactive and very similar to the type of activities and tasks that are given to children in group interview situations.
The skills we test during these mock interviews include: listening skills, collaboration, leadership skills, team work, general knowledge and behaviour. We always want this to be a very positive and helpful experience so that in the real interviews they will be able to show their very best!
We follow up the mock interviews by sending each parent a brief report based on the child’s performance. The reports are accompanied by some general information and tips to further help parents to get involved in their child’s preparations.
11+ Interview Questions
The questions asked during 11+ interviews are designed to assess a child’s intellectual ability, social skills, and overall readiness for the academic challenges they may face at a selective secondary school. Although the exact questions may vary depending on the school, there are several common themes and types of questions students can expect during their interviews.
Here are some examples of typical 11+ interview questions:
- General Knowledge and Current Affairs
- “Can you tell me about a recent news event that interested you?”
- ‘What do you think is the most important environmental issue today?”
- Problem-solving and Critical Thinking
- “How would you solve a situation where two of your friends disagree?”
- “If you had to make a decision for a class project, how would you approach it?”
- Personal Opinions and Perspectives
- “What is your favourite book, and why?”
- “What do you think makes a good leader?”
- Creativity and Imagination
- “If you could invent anything to make life easier, what would it be?”
- If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?”
- Behaviour and Teamwork
- “How do you help your friends when they need it?”
- “Can you tell me about a time when you worked in a team and what role you played?”
Preparing for these questions in advance can help your child feel more confident and articulate during their actual interview. Practising with mock interviews gives children the opportunity to refine their responses and become comfortable with the format, increasing their chances of success on the big day.
Our individual interviews are delivered in two parts:
- Part 1: This is aimed at the entire group of students in a 1 ½ hour ‘classroom based’ introductory session about individual interviews. The session starts at 9am and includes a general introduction to explain the reasons schools do individual interviews and highlight what they are looking for. It reveals the do’s and don’ts at individual interviews and how children can best to present themselves both verbally and non-verbally. It is a very interactive and visual session.
- Part 2: Each child is then given an individual 30-minute mock interview. This gives each child an opportunity to use some of the techniques and methods delivered to them in the introductory session and helps each one of them prepare personally for the interviews. Each child and parent will be told the time for their individual interview. These interviews run throughout the rest of the morning and parents will be told what time to pick up their child
The skills we test during these mock interviews include: communication skills, current affairs knowledge, use of imagination, body language, ability to express opinions, positivity and vocabulary.
After the interview we send parents feedback on how their child did and how they can support them further, to show themselves at their best for the real thing.
We would advise parents to book both the individual and group mock interviews as they prepare the children for very different aspects of the interview, and both do tend to come up
Get In Touch
Our friendly team are here to discuss your child’s tutoring needs. We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.