Economasters Sixth Form Interview Preparation

Expert Sixth Form Admissions Interview Preparation Sessions for Independent School Admissions

For many students, the sixth form admissions interview is the final stage of a competitive admissions process. Whilst strong academic results are essential, admissions interviews give the schools the opportunity to assess potential candidates beyond grades alone.

During these interviews, interviewers will look to gauge how a student thinks, communicates, engages with their chosen subjects and perhaps more importantly, if they will make a positive contribution to the school community.

At Economasters, we provide specialist sixth form admissions interview preparation for students applying to sixth form at leading independent schools across the UK.

Our sixth form interview preparation is particularly suitable for students who are:

Applying for sixth form at independent schools

Preparing for competitive admissions interviews

Feeling nervous or lacking real-world interview experience

Applying for scholarships or academic awards

Looking to improve confidence and communication

International students applying from overseas to UK independent schools.

Our interview preparation sessions are designed to help students approach their sixth form admissions interviews with confidence so that they are able to communicate naturally to demonstrate their intellectual curiosity and maturity that selective schools are seeking in a prospective student.

Having interviewed over 1,000 applicants for competitive independent school places, we at Economasters have firsthand experience and understanding of how admissions decisions are made and what distinguishes a successful candidate.

Why Interview Preparation Matters

Sixth form interviews are often very different from interviews at 11+ or 13+. Interviewers expect students to:

Speak confidently about their academic interests and explain why they may have chosen to study a particular subject
Show demonstrable curiosity beyond the classroom
Discuss books, current affairs or wider reading where appropriate
Show maturity, independence and a genuine enthusiasm for learning
Show passion for the school they are applying to and show how they align with the school’s vision and values.

Many students are more than academically capable, but simply lack real-world experience of an interview process. Others may have been overcoached and fail to reflect their personality. Our sessions help students to strike the balance between being confident, articulate and most importantly – genuine.

HOW OUR SIXTH FORM INTERVIEW PREPARATION SESSIONS WORK

INITIAL PARENT AND STUDENT CONSULTATION

We begin with a short, complementary consultation to understand the student’s circumstances and overall objectives. This typically includes:

Which schools they are applying to
Their predicted grades and academic strengths
Their chosen A-Level subjects
Previous interview experience
Any preparation they have currently received
Particular concerns or areas you’d like us to focus on
Any specific requirements of the school involved.

We keep this process straightforward, allowing us to be reactive and responsive to often impending interview dates.

Mock Interview and Assessment

Students take part in a realistic, mock interview process, which is designed to reflect the style and expectations of competitive independent schools.

Depending on the school, sessions may include:

Traditional interview questions
What made them choose the school
Subject specific discussion
A-Level subject choices
Academic interests beyond the classroom
Current affairs and wider reading (where appropriate)
Problem-solving or analytical discussion
Communication skills
Confidence, body language and overall presentation
Every session is tailored to the individual student.

Personalised Feedback

Following the mock interview, students will receive immediate constructive feedback that identifies areas for improvement.

Parents and guardians will also receive detailed, written feedback covering areas such as overall interview performance, confidence and presentation, strengths, areas for development etc.

Students can continue to work with us after this initial session, though quite often one or two sessions are sufficient to help them develop genuine confidence and interview skills that go beyond rehearsed responses gained through repetitive coaching.

What Makes Economasters Different?

Chris T & Chris P, Economasters

Our greatest strength is our first hand experience in conducting admissions interviews for some of the top UK independent schools. We understand what interviewers genuinely value from candidates and as a result, can help students with the confidence to distinguish themselves in a very competitive environment.

Book a Sixth Form Interview Preparation Session

If your child is preparing for a Sixth Form admissions interview, we can help with expert guidance and practical advice based on genuine real-world experience.

Arrange a consultation to discuss how we can help prepare your child for their Sixth Form admissions interview.

Frequently Asked Questions

What questions should my child expect at their Sixth Form interview?

Every school will have its own unique admissions process and similarly, each interviewer will take different approaches. Some interviews will be conversational, whereas others may explore academic interests, subject choices or wider reading in greater depth.

Common themes may include:

Why does the student want to join the school?
A-Level subject choices
Academic strengths
Future ambitions
Hobbies and interests
Books or wider reading
Current affairs
Personal achievements
Co-curricular activities

Our Sixth Form Interview Preparation sessions do not teach students to recite rehearsed answers, but instead to answer any question posed to them with confidence and preparedness, whilst also allowing their personality to shine through.

How many sessions will my child need?

In many cases, only one or two sessions are required. We find that there is very little value in excessive interview coaching as we do not want students to sound over-prepared or over-rehearsed.

Do you provide Sixth Form admissions interview prep for international students?

Absolutely.

We regularly work with families based outside the UK who are applying to British independent schools and can deliver our Sixth Form admissions interview preparation sessions online at a time that accommodates different time zones where required,

We can also help international families better understand the UK independent school admissions process, what schools are typically looking for and what to expect throughout the interview stage.

Can sessions be held face-to-face?

Most of our sessions take place virtually, but face-to-face sessions may be available in London by prior arrangement.

Will these sessions guarantee that my child will receive an offer?

No tutor can ethically guarantee that your child will receive an offer.

Instead, what we can do is help students present themselves with confidence, communicate more effectively and avoid common interview mistakes.

Our experience interviewing applications means our advice is based on what admissions teams and interviewers generally look for, rather than generic interview tips.

When should we book interview preparation sessions?

Where possible, we recommend booking one to three weeks before the interview, which provides enough time to practice and reflect on feedback.

However we appreciate that owing to each school’s admissions cycle, this may not always be possible, with some families contacting us days before the interview is due to take place.

We have the flexibility to be reactive to impending deadlines and can accommodate sessions at a time that suits you.

My child has chosen A-Level Economics as one of their Sixth Form subjects. Can you provide additional support?

If your child has chosen Economics as one of their A-Level subjects, we can provide ongoing tuition to help them make a strong start and build confidence with key concepts.

Whether they are completely new to the subject, or looking to secure top grades, our experienced Economics tutors can offer tailored support throughout Year 12 and Year 13, from ongoing Economics tuition, A-Level Economics Revision and Exam Preparation, Evaluative Essay Writing for A-Level and even University Admissions Preparation (including TARA Preparation Sessions).