11+ interview with headteacher

[Battenburg11]

My DC had an interview for independent school entry with the headteacher, paired together with another child. My DC has applied for a scholarship, bursary and fee paying place.

My DC didn’t know it was the headteacher until he mentioned at the end of the interview. I was told pupils were interviewed by senior members of staff. Is it normal for head of school to do the interviews? Feeling nervous.

[Eroica]

My children were interviewed by the Head and Deputy, it's normal for the schools concerned, for scholarship or bursary candidates.(one cannot apply for scholarships at the schools concerned, one is invited). They also interview borderline candidates.

[BruceFoxton]

My head does her fair share of interviews and it’s governed by when she’s free rather than selecting kids specifically for her. So it signals nothing special or worrying

[Battenburg11]

Thanks Eroica. Did your children get offers of a place following their interview with head and deputy?

My DD got asked questions on an art piece and she has no idea on understanding art so am now worried.

[MartiniDry]

My experience was that the Head interviewed ALL prospective pupils and their parent/s.

The child was interviewed first, then the parent/s, and finally the parents AND the child, with each of the three interviews following the other. So no, it's not unusual ime, and nothing to worry about. Wishing your son good luck. 🙂

[Eroica]

Yes, they both did. Those that don't get offered a scholarship still get offered full-fees places IME.
We also know some borderliners that were interviewed and got offers and some that didn't.

[MartiniDry]

Sorry, wishing your DAUGHTER good luck!

[Eroica]

It doesn't matter if she doesn't understand art (how can a 10yr old?) They're looking at her ideas, and her answers, and how she fields the questions.

[ceeceeanne]

My son said his family were strong labour voters during his interview with head! I don’t know how well this would go down