Colet Court Interview - what goes on?

[Mominatrix]

Hello. DS has been invited back for an interview after taking the 8+, but I was surprised that the letter said that it would take an hour and a half. Really? An hour and a half?

Can anyone give any information on the structure of the interview, questions asked, and why it is so long?

TIA!

Hello! The interview itself is approx 15 minutes but there is also a group activity -- hence the hour and a half slot. Groups of 4 boys arrive for each slot and engage in the group activity for the whole time, with each boy being taken out for the individual interview at some point. The group activity takes place with one or two teachers in a classroom or in the library. Older boys (current students) escort the candidates from the activity to the headmaster's office for the interview and then back to the room where the activity takes place. Parents wait in the conference room opposite the HM's office. After each boy is interviewed, the HM meets with his parents and tells them what he's discussed with the boy and offers an opportunity to ask questions, etc. It's very relaxed and friendly. The HM is very kind and has a lovely manner with the boys. He's not at all intimidating and seems simply to want to get to know the boys and discuss with them whatever interests them. There's no need to prepare in any way. Most boys seem to enjoy the experience as the teachers, current students and HM himself strive to make it pleasant.

hi mominatrix, did your DD also sit the WUS 8+ exam? our DD has also been called back for an interview for the 8+.

Thank you posadas for your response. Sounds not very stressful, but I can't help being slightly worried that ds made it this far only to stumble!

Ds did not take WUS as it clashed with another school DS really has his heart set on. Congratulations though for your son, and best of luck!

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