What to wear to school interview?

[DaysofHoney]

DS has an interview at a SW London school in the next few weeks. It’s a high performing school, co-ed, well rounded.

We are currently overseas where uniform is smart but no blazers/ties as it’s hot. It seems odd to me that he’d wear his uniform as we will be on holiday when we attend his interview. He’s not a chinos and jacket sort of boy. Are jeans and a casual shirt okay or not smart enough?

Grateful for any guidance!

I would say smart casual perhaps not jeans but if he has the academic ability probably will not matter.

what age is he? I think there's a difference between a 10/11 year old and a 15/16 year old! I'd expect the later to wear either current school uniform or smart trousers, shirt and tie but the younger could get away with something more casual. I definitely wouldn't go in jeans though.

I would put him in proper trousers (not jeans) and a collared shirt. My boys’ uniform didn’t have a blazer or tie but was corduroy trousers with a proper shirt and that seemed smart enough.

12-13! Really helpful to have the steer on no jeans. I genuinely think he’d want to be himself but it’s our first experience of this so I’m likely being naive.

I think "school trousers" and a shirt something like this with open neck would be fine then Buy Blue Single Oxford Shirt (3-16yrs) from the Next UK online shop

Yes, sort of what I had in mind - we have the white version of this already. And shoes? School shoes here are Nike air force (!), would a slip on suede loafer be okay? Loathe to buy smart shoes he won’t wear again!

I was going to say a smart/ casual Oxford type shirt,
exactly like the Next one with chino trousers and a loafer or even a smart suede boot. Agree no jeans.

I reckon no jeans. Chinos, dark smart trainers or lace ups, polo shirt or shirt. Maybe quarter zip over the top. This seems to be the smart-casual outfit worn by the private school boys I know.

yes, wear the loafers!

Quarter zip?? The sort of smart bomber type thing??

quarter zip like this sort of thing www.crewclothing.co.uk/mens/clothing-and-accessories/mens-knitwear/classic-half-zip-knit-jumper-navy-mrc126/

Thanks so much!

Make sure it’s something he feels comfortable and natural in. Just so he’s relaxed and confident.

(I only saw school uniforms at the interviews but that was back in Jan.)

I think smart jeans would actually be fine but chinos possibly slightly safer. Definitely saw lots of jeans when mine went for interviews at 11 plus. ( it was a weekend and they were specifically told not to wear uniform- some did..) It will depend a bit on the school. Schools where the sixth form can wear anything tend to be a bit more relaxed. The main thing is that he feels comfortable.

My son wore chinos, a blue Oxford shirt and a grey cable knit jumper with school shoes. Dress code was smart home clothes.

Thanks all. Have persuaded him into navy chinos and a knitted t shirt with collar… plus a quarter zip.

Now to nail it!