Help! Independent School Sixth Form Interview for DD and parents!

[Daltec]

DD is applying for a scholarship at an independent school and she will be interviewed by the HT and Head of Sixth Form. HT also wants to meet the parents of all those applying for a scholarship/bursary. We have never done anything like this before! DD has always attended a state school. What do we all wear? Should DD wear her school uniform (it's a school day)? What should I wear? What kind of questions is she likely to be asked (not only general questions, but also those likely to test her intelligence)? What would the HT be looking for in me (DH won't be coming)? What is the "right sort of parent"? Thanks in advance for any advice!

[happygardening]

Your DD won't get it wrong if she turns up in uniform, most children being interviewed whilst at prep do although Im sure smart home clothes would also be fine. But let's put it this way I wouldn't buy anything.
Schools interview parents to check that the parent are completely signed up to the schools ethos. In some schools parents matter more than others the very over subscribed ones can afford to be more fussy! We've been interviewed twice the first very informally (we weren't really aware of it) whilst being shown around a boarding house the second time we were interviewed at the same DS as my DS was. Once they'd found out my DS was an old boy something they failed to grasp despite the fact that my DS has written it on the application form in the bit do you have any connection with the school? All they talked about was do you remember Mr X who taught English etc.
I suspect you could turn up dressed in anything within reason but just something smarting would again be safe. I don't think schools are expecting designer clothes or for you be clad head to toe in Primark (if your after a bursary) wear something you feel comfortable in. If it's a boarding g school sensibleish shoes are a good idea lots of boarding houses seem to have endless flights of stairs. Just be yourself.
I don't know anything about 6th form interviews so can't help you on that one I'm afraid.

[happygardening]

Smart not smarting!

[MillyMollyMama]

My DD went for 2 6th form scholarship interviews and we were not seen at either school although she was an internal candidate at one so they knew us. Parents who were new to the school were not seen either though. Is this an interview or is it just a "come and have a cup of tea" meeting for all parents of the applicants. If you are after a bursary, I think that might be the subject of an interview. What exactly does the letter say because the scholarship and bursary are two different things?

[Leeds2]

The Head is bound to ask both you and your DD if you have any questions, so I would make sure you have something prepared. If you say you don't have any questions, it might look as though you/she aren't very interested.

Your DD will be fine in school uniform. I wouldn't wear jeans, but I suspect almost anything else would be fine for you to wear.

[Daltec]

I'm worried about what the school will be looking for in me as a parent. I don't know whether I will be interviewed as such (although DD definitely will), but I have been told that the HT likes to meet the parents and I will be expected to attend the assessment day with my DD. I often hear people talk about schools wanting 'the right sort of parent' but I'm not sure what that is!

[Daltec]

Thanks for all your advice so far. I'll tell DD to wear her school uniform and I'll avoid anything too casual.

[MuttonCadet]

I went to private from state (many moons ago), and the school just wanted to check I was bright and keen and that my parents were supportive of the school environment.

[EBee57]

I'd just add that your DD is likely to be asked about the subjects she hopes to study for A level - why they interest her, possibly what she is hoping to do after school - there's no right or wrong answer to this one, my DDs changed completely between yr11 and university application; her interests and hobbies - you don't need to show passion for everything as they will want students who are going to put much of their effort into school and not be sidetracked by too many external pursuits; they may ask about her awareness of general political/social issues - especially if she can tie them to her academic subjects; and what she can bring to the school - experience of/willingness to help with clubs for younger years, being a prefect, that sort of thing.

It should all be done in a friendly manner, and they will do their best to put her at ease. Good luck to her and I hope it all goes well.

[horsemadmom]

They also might be selling themselves to YOU.
If DD is scholarship level and has competing offers, the school may be interested in ensuring that they are her first choice by impressing you with what they have on offer.
My DDs are at a top o' the tables school and I help at a lot of prospective parent functions. Nobody cares one iota about what parents (or girls) wear, how they speak or where they live or what they do for a living. Seriously.