How to Prepare Your Child for the 7 Plus Interview Process with Key Tips and Example Questions

Preparing a child for the 7 Plus interview can feel overwhelming for many parents. For some, this is the first significant encounter with a formal verbal assessment and understanding how to navigate it is vital. This interview is a crucial chance for children to display their skills, personality and potential to excel in a selective school environment.

With effective preparation and guidance, parents can build their child's confidence, leading to a successful interview experience. This guide offers practical tips, example questions, and advice on how to help children approach this important process calmly and effectively.

Understanding the 7 Plus Interview

The 7 Plus interview assesses a child's readiness for the academic challenges of selective schools. Schools evaluate candidates based on academic skills, social abilities, and character traits. Recognising the format of these interviews helps parents better prepare their children.

While different schools may have unique assessment methods, common questions include personal interests and hobbies, his/her current school and their learning, mental arithmetic, comprehension based on reading a short extract and creative thinking. Exposing your child to these question types - examples included further down - can help mitigate any anxiety they may experience.

Practice Makes Perfect

Mock interviews at home are one of the best ways to prepare your child for the 7 Plus interview. Simulating the interview setting can help them feel more comfortable and confident.

For example, parents might create scenarios with questions like, "Can you tell me about your favourite hobby?" or "What do you enjoy most about school?" Practicing these examples will make children less nervous and more adept at expressing themselves when it counts. However, you may find that your child will prepare more effectively with an adult they are less familiar with - more on this later.

Building Confidence

Confidence is crucial in any interview and parents play a significant role in nurturing it. Providing regular praise and positive feedback about their efforts in preparation makes a difference. Remind your child that the interview is not just about correct answers but about expressing their thoughts and personality. Focusing too much on the "right" answers can build unnecessary pressure. Answers should be instinctive and authentic and children should not have a pre-learned script to follow.

A great way to build their confidence is to celebrate small victories during practice, like giving a thoughtful answer or maintaining eye contact. For children who are quieter and may feel less confident in social settings, gradually introduce them to these environments. Encourage them to talk to family members via video calls and engage in conversations with adults in safe settings as frequently as possible. For instance, if they want a chocolate bar or the latest Nerf gun from the store, let them know it’s fine but they must speak with the shopkeeper before leaving. The more they experience situations like this, the more practice they gain in speaking with unfamiliar adults, better preparing them for their 7 plus interview.

Body Language

Good Posture and Eye Contact

Encourage your child to maintain good posture throughout the interview. Sitting upright not only conveys confidence but also keeps the interviewers engaged. Likewise, teaching them to maintain appropriate eye contact can enhance their communication skills. A glance at the interviewers shows interest and their ability to concentrate. As difficult as it may be, sitting in a relaxed but still manner is important.

Listening Carefully

Listening is just as important as speaking. Remind your child to focus on what the interviewers say instead of fixating on their responses. Encourage them to pause and think before answering questions. This not only leads to more meaningful responses but also demonstrates their thoughtfulness. It is likely that your child will interview with one or more other pupils. Even when it is not their turn to speak, they should still be attentive just in case they are asked what they think of their peers comments (this happens)!

Trusted Adult

One of the most effective strategies you can use at home is to have a trusted adult, family friend or tutor simulate an interview. Children tend to react differently to their parents compared to teachers or less familiar adults. Utilise the example questions provided in this post to prepare your child in the best possible way.

Example Questions for Practice

To help your child practice effectively, consider these example questions that may arise during the interview. It is important to reiterate that there are no 'right' answers and being highly critical of answers will only increase anxiety. Try starting your feedback, "That was great and it would be even better if...":

1. Personal Interests:

   • What book do you like the most and what makes it special for you?

   • Can you share a hobby that you love and why you enjoy it?

   • If you could make one school rule, what would it be and why?

   • What subject do you enjoy the most at school and what makes it exciting for you?

   • If you could have any superpower, what would it be and how would you use it?

   • Imagine creating an invention to help people. What would it be?

   • Why do you want to come to our school? What do you like about it?

   • Can you tell me about a signficant person you look up to?

   
   

2. Academic-related Questions:

   • Which times tables do you know?

   • Tell me about a book you've read recently.

   • Can you tell me about anything you've learnt or read in the news recently?

   • What are your learning about in Maths/English/Science lessons at your school?

   • What is the best thing you've learnt about at your school this term?

   • Is there a person from history that you admire?

     
     

3. Creative Thinking:

   • If it was rainy day during the holidays and you couldn't use technology, how would you spend your time?

   • If you could change something about the world, what would it be and why?

   • Imagine a day when everything is upside down, what would happen?

   • Describe your perfect school day.

   • Why is charity important?

   
   

4. Reading & Comprehension

   (Child may be asked to read a short passage aloud and answer questions)

   • What happened in the story you just read?

   • How do you think the character felt at the end? Why?

   • What would you have done if you were in the story?

   • Can you tell me what might happen next?

   • Does this passage of text remind you of anything? What is it and why?

5. Mathematics & Reasoning

   • If I have 12 sweets and I give away 4, how many do I have left?

   • What’s double 25?

   • What’s half of 60?

   • If a toy costs £7.50 and you have £10, how much change would you get?

   • What comes next in this pattern: 4, 8, 12, ___?

   • If you had to share 15 marbles between 3 friends, how many would each get?

   • I’m thinking of a number. It’s more than 10 and less than 15. It’s an odd number. What could it be?

   • How would you solve a problem if you didn’t know the answer right away?

   
   

6. Social & Emotional Understanding

   • What would you do if you saw a classmate feeling sad?

   • Do you prefer working alone or in a group? Why?

   • Can you tell me about a time you helped someone?

   • What do you do when you find something difficult?

Practicing these questions can help children articulate their thoughts and feel equipped for the interview. But avoiding searching for the perfect answer is crucial.

Conclusion

Preparing a child for the 7 Plus interview is about more than just answering questions. It is a comprehensive approach that builds confidence, teaches interview dynamics, and encourages authenticity.

Every child is different, so tailoring support to meet their unique needs is crucial. Create an environment that makes your child feel valued and understood. While the 7 Plus interview may be competitive, it is also an excellent opportunity for personal growth.

As parents, supporting children through this journey builds skills they will carry far beyond the interview and into their future. By approaching the 7 Plus interview process with preparation and positivity, parents can empower their children to thrive. While the process may be challenging, the right strategies can transform it into a rewarding experience for everyone involved.

7plushelp