How to help your child prepare for a group interview

Some independent schools use group interviews as part of their second-stage assessment. Unlike the entrance exam, a group interview isn't about what your child knows - it's about who they are.

These schools aren't simply selecting for academic ability. They want to understand how a child relates to others, how they engage with different perspectives, and whether they'll contribute positively to the community around them. A pupil who listens well, encourages others, and engages with warmth and curiosity will enrich school life beyond the classroom, and that matters deeply to admissions teams.

What Schools Are Looking For

Group interviews give schools the chance to observe qualities that no exam paper can capture:

• Leadership and collaboration: contributing and guiding without dominating
• Kindness and inclusion: drawing quieter members into the conversation
• Confidence and spontaneity: speaking clearly and engaging naturally with others
• Critical thinking:  approaching problems creatively and constructively

How to Help Your Child Prepare

• Encourage active listening: remind your child to build on what others say, rather than simply waiting for their turn to speak
• Practise teamwork: collaborative activities help build the right instincts naturally
• Build confidence: practise sharing opinions clearly and respectfully, aiming for fuller responses rather than one-word answers
• Focus on body language: eye contact, good posture, and a relaxed manner all make a positive impression
• Stay authentic: schools value genuine interaction over rehearsed responses, so avoid over-preparing scripted answers

Want to help your child feel ready?

At Atom, we offer mock interviews sessions,  designed to build confidence and familiarity before the real thing. If you'd like to find out more, get in touch with our team at support@atomlearning.co.uk, we're happy to help.