As an Old Etonian working in education I am asked this question a lot. Eton's advice is that you can't prepare—and that parents shouldn't waste their money paying tutors who claim you can. My response is always the same: I agree.
Why can't you prepare for the Eton interview?
Anyone who has spent any time with 10 year-olds can tell when they're giving prepared answers. The Eton admissions interviewers are extremely experienced. They can tell instantly.
I've spoken to several members of Eton's admissions staff and they all say the same thing: when they can tell a boy has been prepared they just keep asking questions until they find unprepared territory.
The Deputy Tutor for Admissions told me of a recent interview when he had to extract over 30 minutes of prepared answers before the real interview could begin.
The school is interested in discovering your son's natural character and they will keep pushing (gently) until they find it.
So what can you do?
Nevertheless, there are things you can do to help your son put in a good showing. These aren't quick fixes. The basic principle we recommend is to support your son's overall long-term development. If your son develops into the kind of boy who will thrive at Eton, the admissions process will identify him.
For example, instead of paying a tutor to tell your son how to talk enthusiastically about a favourite book, your best bet is to encourage your son's reading so that he has favourite books he can't help enthusing over. (Easier said than done, of course...) The basic point is this:
If a boy really loves rugby you don't need to pay someone to help him express his passion!
This isn't the advice most parents want to hear but I honestly think it's the most worthwhile. Interviewers aren't expecting polish. They want to find good substance.
Any more specific advice?
It is true that the interview can be daunting. But the interviewers see hundreds of boys every year and are skilled at putting them at ease. They know they will see a boy's best side if he is relaxed. Although boys can be nervous they nearly all come out saying they enjoyed the experience. A few things can help them:
- One mock interview is a good idea. (Most schools will do this internally.) Any more and answers start to become automated. But one practice helps give an idea of the interview format.
- Discuss the points above with your son so he knows the interviewers aren't trying to trick him or ask questions he can't answer. They don't even do interviews like that at Oxbridge these days!
- Give your son as much opportunity as possible to speak informally with adults, especially new ones. Confidence talking to adults builds over many years. Because they go home in the holidays, I've found many international students don't speak to adults in English other than their teachers. The basic principle applies to English boys too: it's good to practise articulating yourself in front of new faces. (NB This is another reason why repeated interview practice with a tutor is unadvisable: familiarity kills effectiveness.)
- I have one more secret tip that I give to parents who feel they have to do something to help their sons prepare but I don't think most people need it. I'm happy to discuss it privately.
Can Oak Jones Educational help us more?
If your son's school is unable to provide a mock interview with an unfamiliar adult we are able to help you arrange one with an Old Etonian. But we are adamant that we do not offer interview coaching.
We have worked previously with a particularly shy boy who struggled talking to adults. You can read about how OJE supported him here. Even with his specific issue we still targeted the boy's personal development rather than the interview itself.
Final Thought
Despite what I have said above, we do indeed help families get their sons into Eton, both via the scholarship and via Common Entrance. But our approach is always to support children's long-term academic and co-curricular development. We want children to be in a stronger position for their future, whatever school they go to.