Preparing for independent school entrance exams can feel daunting at first, particularly when you’re trying to understand the application process, exam requirements and interview expectations. Choosing an independent school for your child is a big decision, and there’s quite a lot for parents and children to think about.
The good news is that starting early can make the whole process feel much more manageable. With some organisation, regular practice and the right preparation, your child can approach their entrance exams with greater confidence.
In this guide, we’ll look at the key stages of independent school entrance exam preparation, including applications, fees and bursaries, the entrance exam itself and interview preparation.
Application Process
Once your child starts Year 6, it’s a good time to begin looking at the independent schools you’re interested in and checking their application process. Each school will have its own application deadline, entrance exam dates and requirements, so it’s important to check these details early.
Make a note of the specific deadline for each school you’re considering and make sure all applications and supporting information are submitted in good time. Some schools may require online applications, while others may ask you to complete additional forms or provide further information.
If you’re unsure about any part of the application process, contact the school directly. They’ll be able to explain what you need to do and confirm the important dates.
Entrance exams are often held between January and February, although this can vary from one school to another. Knowing the exam date and application deadline early gives you and your child plenty of time to prepare.
You can also find further information about independent schools and the admissions process through the Independent Schools Council, which provides guidance for parents considering independent education.
Fees/bursaries
Independent school fees can vary significantly depending on the school, and it’s completely natural for cost to be a key consideration when making your decision.
Many schools do offer bursaries or scholarships, which can provide financial support based on either academic ability or household income. This can make independent education more accessible than many parents initially expect.
If you are considering applying for a bursary, you will usually need to complete an additional application form. It’s always best to contact the school directly to understand what support is available and how the process works.
Exam
Entrance exams are usually held around January, although this can vary depending on the school.
While these exams are designed to assess a child’s overall academic ability, preparation at home can make a real difference to confidence and performance.
One of the most effective ways to support your child is by practising sample papers together. There are many 11+ resources available, both free and paid, which can help them become familiar with the types of questions they may face and how to manage their time under exam conditions.
If your child needs additional support with their preparation, our tuition programmes can help them build confidence and strengthen their Maths and English skills.
Most entrance exams include four key areas: verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, English and Maths.
Helping Your Child Prepare
Preparing for independent school entrance exams doesn’t need to mean hours of revision every evening. Short, regular practice sessions are often more effective and can help your child become familiar with the types of questions they may encounter.
Try to make preparation part of your child’s routine without allowing it to become overwhelming. Practising a little and regularly gives you the opportunity to identify areas where they may need more support, while also allowing them to become more comfortable working under time limits.
It’s also important to balance preparation with normal family life. Your child needs time to relax, enjoy their hobbies and maintain a positive attitude towards learning. The aim is to build confidence and familiarity, rather than make the entrance process feel like a constant test.
Independent School Entrance Exam Interview
Once the independent school entrance exams are complete, your child will usually be invited to attend an interview at the school. This is a chance for them to show their personality, interests and how they communicate, rather than just their academic ability.
Preparation is key here. The more familiar your child is with common questions, the more confident they will feel on the day. Practising answers out loud can make a noticeable difference.
Some common interview questions include:
- Tell me about your family
- What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
- What are you most proud of?
- What sports or activities are you interested in?
- What is your favourite subject?
- What is your least favourite subject?
- Why do you want to join this school?
- What can you contribute to the school community?
- What book are you currently reading?
- Who is your favourite character and why?
- Can you recommend a book you’ve enjoyed?
When practising answers, encourage your child to expand their responses rather than giving one-word answers. A simple way to do this is to get them to explain their thinking using words like “because” or “so that…”.
For example, instead of saying “I like maths”, they could say “I like maths because I enjoy solving problems and finding different ways to reach an answer”.
A helpful way to support your child during interview practice is to encourage them to avoid one-word answers. Instead, get them into the habit of explaining their thinking by adding phrases like “because” or “so that”.
This helps them build fuller, more confident responses and shows the interviewer how they think, not just what they know.
Most importantly, remind your child that the interview is not about being perfect. It’s about showing who they are, what they enjoy, and how they approach learning. With a bit of preparation and encouragement at home, independent school entrance exams can feel much more manageable for both you and your child.
