A Parent’s Guide to UK Private School Admissions: 11+, ISEB and Interview Tips

For many parents, the UK private school admissions process can feel like a daunting maze. From entrance exams to interviews and essays, it’s not always clear what schools are really looking for. This guide is designed to give you a roadmap—offering practical advice to help your family navigate the journey with confidence.

Researching UK Private Schools (11+, ISEB & More)

This crucial stage begins long before you submit an application. The goal is to look beyond glossy brochures and find what truly matters for your child.

Define Your “Why”
Before looking at school websites, sit down as a family and discuss your core values. Are you looking for a specific curriculum, a strong arts programme, or a school with a reputation for academic rigour? Understanding your “why” will help you narrow your search.

Move Beyond the Name
Reputation matters, but it’s not everything. Look at a school’s mission, curriculum, and ethos. Does it match your child’s personality and learning style?

Understand the Different School Types
The UK private education system is diverse: some schools focus on holistic development, others on traditional academics, and many require entrance exams such as the 11+, 13+ Common Entrance, ISEB pre-tests, or UKiset for international students. Knowing these requirements will guide your preparation strategy.

The Private School Application (Essays, Parent Statements & Recommendations)

This is where your preparation pays off. Applications are more than grades and activities—they’re a chance to present a full picture of your child.

The Student Essay
Encourage your child to write about something personal and unique, rather than a predictable topic. For example, instead of yet another essay about a famous figure, they might write about their love of cooking, a niche hobby, or a lesser-known role model. Specific, authentic stories help them stand out.

The Parent Statement
Many schools ask parents to write about their child’s personality, strengths, and aspirations. Use this to show your partnership in your child’s education. Rather than simply stating qualities (“she is determined”), give examples (“she spent every weekend for two years working towards her black belt”).

Letters of Recommendation
Strong recommendations add depth to your child’s profile. Give teachers and mentors plenty of notice so they can write thoughtful, detailed letters.

Interviews & Holistic Review in UK Admissions

Top UK schools increasingly use a holistic review process, looking beyond scores to evaluate the whole student.

Interviews & School Visits
Encourage your child to treat the interview as a genuine conversation. They should be ready to discuss their academic interests, extracurricular passions, and what excites them about the school. Confidence and curiosity go a long way.

The Power of Authenticity
Admissions staff don’t want perfection—they want to see a real, well-rounded young person. Help your child present their true self: their passions, character, and potential contribution to the school community.

Final Thoughts

The private school admissions journey can be complex, but with clear planning and a focus on your child’s unique strengths, you can approach it with confidence.

If you’d like expert guidance tailored to your child, I offer 1:1 tuition for 11+, 13+, ISEB pre-tests, UKiset, and GCSE English, with proven success in helping students gain entry into top UK schools.

👉 Get in touch today to discuss how I can support your child’s journey.