An 11 Plus interview can feel intimidating, especially if you do not know what to expect. Many students worry about saying the wrong thing or not knowing the “right” answers. In reality, schools are not looking for perfect responses. They want to understand how you think, how you communicate and how you approach new situations.
The good news is that 11 Plus interviews follow clear patterns. Once you understand the types of questions schools usually ask and how interviews are structured, the process becomes much easier to manage. With the right preparation, you can learn how to answer confidently, stay calm and show your genuine interests and personality.
In this guide, you’ll learn what happens during an 11 Plus interview, the most common question types to expect and simple ways to prepare without feeling overwhelmed.
What Is an 11 Plus Interview and Why Do Schools Use It?
An 11 Plus interview is part of the admissions process used by many selective schools, particularly independent and grammar schools. It usually takes place after written tests and gives the school a chance to meet you in person.
Schools use interviews to look beyond exam results. They want to understand how you think, how you communicate your ideas and how you respond to questions you may not have prepared in advance. Interviews also help schools see whether a student is likely to thrive in their learning environment and contribute positively to school life.
What to Expect on the Day of the 11 Plus Interview
On the day of the 11 Plus interview, schools usually keep things calm and friendly. Still, knowing what will happen can help you feel more confident.
Interview length varies by school. However, most last around 15 to 30 minutes. Some are shorter. Others include a small task, so they may take a little longer. Either way, interviewers do not expect perfect answers. They want to see how you think and explain your ideas.
Many schools use a one-to-one interview with a teacher or member of staff. In addition, some run group interviews or group tasks. These help schools see how you listen, share ideas and work with others.
Some interviews also include a simple activity. For example, you might solve a problem, discuss a scenario, or talk through a task. The goal is not to catch you out. Instead, schools look for reasoning, curiosity and confidence.
Parents do not usually sit in on the interview. Most schools ask them to wait nearby. Sometimes, staff also speak with parents briefly to explain the process or answer questions.
Every school runs its 11 Plus interview slightly differently, so it’s always worth checking the admissions page of the school you’re applying to. Many schools explain how the interview fits into the overall selection process, what it involves and how long it usually lasts. For example, City of London School’s official 11 Plus entry admissions guidance sets out what candidates can expect, which can help you feel more prepared and more confident on the day.
Common 11 Plus Interview Questions by Category
During an 11 Plus interview, schools ask a wide range of questions. These help interviewers understand how you think, communicate and respond to new situations. While questions vary by school, most fall into familiar categories.
Below, you’ll find a wide range of common 11 Plus interview questions, grouped by topic. Stick with it – this section is long on purpose, so you can practise lots of different question styles.
About You and Your Character
These questions help interviewers get to know you as a person, not just as a student.
You may be asked:
- Can you tell me about yourself?
- What are your strengths?
- What do you find challenging?
- Tell me about a time you didn’t succeed. What did you learn?
- How do you handle mistakes?
- What makes you a good classmate?
- How do you respond when something feels difficult?
When answering, stay honest. Short examples work better than long explanations.
Your Current School and Learning
These questions focus on how you approach learning and school life. Common questions include:
- What do you enjoy most about your current school?
- Which subject do you enjoy most and why?
- Which subject do you find hardest?
- How do you manage homework?
- What have you learnt this year that you found interesting?
- If you were a headteacher for a day, what would you change?
Schools want to see reflection and curiosity, not complaints.
Why This School?
These questions test whether you understand the school and feel genuinely interested in it.
You may hear:
- Why do you want to attend this school?
- What do you like about our school?
- What opportunities here interest you most?
- How would you contribute to school life?
- What clubs or activities would you like to join?
Tip: Avoid vague praise. Instead, mention two or three specific things, such as subjects, clubs, values, or facilities
Reading, Books and Interests
Many schools ask about reading, especially at academically selective schools.
Common questions include:
- What is your favourite book?
- What are you reading at the moment?
- Why did you enjoy that book?
- What did you learn from it?
- Do you read outside school?
You do not need an “impressive” book. Choose something you understand and enjoy.
Hobbies, Clubs and Activities
These questions explore what you enjoy outside lessons.
Interviewers may ask:
- What hobbies do you have?
- What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
- Are you part of any clubs or teams?
- What have these activities taught you?
- Can you give an example of working in a team?
- What activity are you most committed to?
Focus on what you’ve learnt, not how many activities you do.
Current Affairs and General Awareness
Some schools ask simple questions about the world around you.
You might be asked:
- Can you tell me about a current event that interests you?
- What has been in the news recently?
- Why did this story stand out to you?
- How do you feel about it?
Keep answers simple. Explain what happened first, then why it matters to you.
Creative and “Thinking on Your Feet” Questions
These questions test imagination and reasoning, not facts.
Examples include:
- What would you do if you were in charge of your school for a day?
- If you could change one rule, what would it be?
- What would you do if someone was being treated unfairly?
- If you had unlimited time, how would you use it?
- What does being kind mean to you?
There is no single correct answer. Interviewers want to hear your thinking.
Academic-Style Questions and Mini Tasks
Some interviews include short academic discussions or tasks.
You may be asked to:
- Explain a concept you’ve recently learnt
- Talk through how you would solve a problem
- Describe a project or piece of work you enjoyed
- Explain your reasoning step by step
Schools do not expect advanced knowledge. They want clear thinking and calm explanations.
How Schools Evaluate 11 Plus Interview Answers (What They Look For)
Parents miss this. Include it.
Explain that schools are NOT looking for:
- Perfect answers
- Adult-level vocabulary
- Memorised scripts
They ARE looking for:
- Clear thinking
- Honesty
- Confidence without arrogance
- Willingness to explain ideas
Common 11 Plus Interview Mistakes to Avoid
Many mistakes come from good intentions. However, they often backfire. Over-coaching answers can make a child sound rehearsed. Interviewers spot this quickly. Stepping in to “help” or interrupting can knock confidence. It also causes children to second-guess themselves. Constant correction makes them play safe. They stop thinking out loud. Finally, putting heavy pressure on “getting in” raises nerves. The interview then feels like a pass-or-fail test. It should feel like a conversation where a child shows how they think.
Conclusion
The 11 Plus interview is not about sounding “perfect”. It’s about showing how a child thinks, communicates and responds under light pressure. That means your prep should focus on habits, not scripts. Practise speaking clearly, explaining ideas step by step and handling small curveballs without freezing. A few short mock interviews each week can do more than hours of drilling, especially if you keep feedback simple and consistent. If you want to prepare for the 11 Plus exam, build a routine that also supports the written papers. Read widely, discuss opinions and encourage your child to justify answers out loud. Over time, this makes interview responses feel natural instead of forced.
If you’re seeking online tutoring for the 11 Plus, the right support can speed this up. A good tutor can run realistic mock interviews, spot weak answers early and help your child improve without sounding rehearsed. They can also link interview practise to the skills schools care about, such as reasoning, comprehension and confident communication. Most importantly, tutoring removes pressure from home practise and helps the student build independent answers.
FAQs
What Types of Questions Are Asked in an 11 Plus Interview?
Interviewers ask about you, your school, your interests and how you think about things. Common questions include: Why are you interested in this school?, What do you enjoy reading?, What hobbies do you have? And tell me about a recent event that interested you. Schools also include creative or thinking questions to see how you respond when you have to think on the spot.
How Long Does an 11 Plus Interview Usually Last?
Most 11 Plus interviews last about 15 to 30 minutes, but this can vary by school and format. Some include short tasks or group activities that take a little longer.
Do Schools Ask Academic Questions in the 11 Plus Interview?
At 11 Plus level, academic questions tend to be light. You might be asked to explain a topic you enjoyed, describe a recent school project, or talk about a problem you solved. The focus is more on how you think and communicate than on detailed facts.
Should You Practise Answers Before the Interview?
Yes – but focus on practising thinking and speaking out loud, not memorising answers. Try talking about your favourite book, a challenge you overcame, or why you want to join the school. Practising like a conversation helps you sound natural.
