As well as focusing on English, maths, and reasoning skills, your child should also prepare for the school interview. I support students to articulate their strengths and achievements, foster self-awareness of their communication style and conduct, develop their critical thinking skills and research the school they are applying to.
I aspire for your child to open the results letters and delight in numerous offers from schools where they can thrive and reach their full potential.
"I believe a well-rounded education will lay the foundations for your child’s success and prospects; I therefore support families to go from not knowing what to expect in the 11+ school interview, to being confident and well prepared to secure a place at your desired school. I coach the parent and child to know what to expect at the 11+ school interview and how to stand out and prepare for the interview over time by offering ‘11+ school interview' packages."
Sonya Moledina (Trained Interviewer)
Dear Parents, If your child is in year 4-6 (or slightly younger) you might find it useful to join a Facebook group, I have set up called ‘11+ School Interview Preparation for Year 4-6’.
I look forward to connecting with you in the group
Why use ‘Etiquette & Emotions’ for School Interview Support?
- To date I have supported over sixty students with interview preparation for schools, including St Paul’s School, Westminster, City of London School, North London Collegiate, Haberdasher’s School, Merchant Taylors, St Helen’s, and many other leading independent schools in the UK.
- I have undertaken ‘interview skills training’ and have experience as an interviewer with a Russell Group University to select undergraduates on one of the most competitive courses in the country.
- I bring a wealth of personal and professional experience and provide guidance to student based on different interview questions and probing techniques. I use an evaluation criterion to offer feedback using research and competencies outlined by prospective schools. The interview training includes non-verbal communication and body language.
- As a parent in the independent school system, I have personal experience of the 3+, 5+, 7+ and 11+ process for my son and daughter, I share personal experiences and insights into the school assessment process. My senior school son will personally advise your child and prepare them for what to expect. I also gather experiences from my former students who have been through the process to give your child a competitive edge
- The school interview support is varied to suit different requirements and budgets, online or face-to face.
- I am a ‘certified etiquette coach’; I impart plenty of advice on making a good impression, confidence, and body language.
- I have a full (enhanced) DBS clearance check
Testimonials
I wanted to thank you for the session my daughter attended. She grasped quite a lot of significant concepts. In her own words, she mentioned that it was an awesome learning experience and she is much more confident than before. The details of how to present yourself, what things to be careful about, how to phrase your answers, and having a Habs boy presenting his interview process and mock interview, made it a perfect day for her (of course, popcorn on the day also helped) !!!
A very thorough interview masterclass which provided support and insight into how the interview process takes place and what to think about when preparing for / attending the interview. My son found the session very helpful.
Sonya provided great support for the 11+ interviews. The ‘Platinum Interview Workshop’ really helped by son practice his interview skills. My son also attended a complimentary ‘Dining etiquette masterclass’ with Sonya. The session really helped him in his interviews as he was able to connect with the interviewer about scone etiquette in the Southwest of England, all related to why Geography is his favourite subject! Thank you, Sonya, for all your support in this process. Your detailed feedback from the workshop was brilliant too
Sonya was very meticulous in her preparation and her instructions to my son. She was methodical and patient and very encouraging throughout the timing of preparing my son which he found very reassuring and boosted his confidence which was greatly needed at that time
Our son attended Sonya’s interview masterclass which he thoroughly enjoyed and the class helped prepare him for his interviews which resulted him gaining all offers. Sonya has been fantastic throughout the process and is always available for help, support and guidance which has been much appreciated. Thanks so much Sonya!
Coaching at leading independent schools
Students who have undertaken school interview coaching with us, have secured offers at leading independent schools including:
Aldenham School | Alleyns | Bancroft's | Bedford Modern School | Berkhamsted School | Caterham School | Chigwell School | City of London School | Dulwich College | Epsom College | Eton College | Eltham College | Forest School | Francis Holland Schools | Godolphin and Latimer | Guilford High School | Haberdashers School for boys/girls | Hampton School | Highgate School | Harrow School | John Lyon’s School | Lady Ellenor Hollis | Merchant Taylors School | Northwood College | North London Collegiate | Notting Hill & Ealing School | Putney High School | Reigate School | Royal Masonic School for Girls | Sevenoaks School | St Albans Girls School St Helens | St Albans School | St Paul’s School | St John's School | St Margaret’s School | The Perse Upper School |Trinity School | Westminster School | Whitgift School | Winchester College
The School Interview Packages
The school interview support is varied to suit different requirements and budgets, online or face-to face.
Click on any of the below options for more description:
Option 1: The School Interview Masterclass
I offer a two-hour interview masterclass. My aspiration for you is for you to open these letters on results day and get those school offers. I do not undertake a one-to-one mock interview without the student undertaking the two-hour masterclass. There are a couple of reasons for this:
(1) Having a mock interview is the equivalent of sitting a test when you haven’t been taught the lesson; your child would not sit a maths exam till they have been taught the concepts , hence I go through with your child what the interviewer is looking for, how they can make a positive impression, how to promote their strengths and achievements, how to deal with tricky questions and what to do or not to do.
(2) Once you and your child have undertaken the masterclass, you may feel that you do not need to invest in further support. I provide you a comprehensive list of interviews questions and armoured with advice and supporting documents you might feel that you can take over from there.
The two-hour online session includes school interview tips, advice, true stories, sample answers and supporting documents on how to succeed in the independent school interview.
Investment: £45
Full details and bookings HERE
(1) Having a mock interview is the equivalent of sitting a test when you haven’t been taught the lesson; your child would not sit a maths exam till they have been taught the concepts , hence I go through with your child what the interviewer is looking for, how they can make a positive impression, how to promote their strengths and achievements, how to deal with tricky questions and what to do or not to do.
(2) Once you and your child have undertaken the masterclass, you may feel that you do not need to invest in further support. I provide you a comprehensive list of interviews questions and armoured with advice and supporting documents you might feel that you can take over from there.
The two-hour online session includes school interview tips, advice, true stories, sample answers and supporting documents on how to succeed in the independent school interview.
Investment: £45
Full details and bookings HERE
Option 2: The Platinum School Interview Workshop.
This is an exclusive half-day in person event in Northwood (HA6) in North-West London alongside (a maximum of four) other students to:
Option 2 is the most popular workshop and repeatedly sold-out last year.
Places fill up quickly, so please view at the dates and options and secure your place early so you have that peace of mind that the interview preparation is in hand.
Investment: £85
Full details and bookings HERE
- Participate in the ‘school interview masterclass’ in a comfortable setting, on a large cinema-style screen (whilst served popcorn and snacks)
- Hear first-hand from a ‘Haberdashers School for Boys’ student about his interview experiences
- Play the role of interviewer and interviewee in a ‘mini mock interview’ to practice their interview skills and conduct a peer review on other students so the students may learn from each other’s strengths and weaknesses
- Feedback is provided to parents via a written report.
Option 2 is the most popular workshop and repeatedly sold-out last year.
Places fill up quickly, so please view at the dates and options and secure your place early so you have that peace of mind that the interview preparation is in hand.
Investment: £85
Full details and bookings HERE
Option 3: The School Interview Masterclass and a One-to-One Mock Interview-
If you require a one-to-one mock (either in person or online) after the masterclass, I can support your child at a mutually convenient date and time.
Feedback is provided to parents via a written report or a telephone call.
Investment: £155
Full details and bookings HERE
Group Interview Task (Online)
Your child may be invited to a group interview session, to undertake a given task. The interviewer will observe how the student interacts with others, approaches a task, and demonstrates their problem-solving abilities.
Whether or not your child has a school interview, this session will improve your child’s confidence, teamwork, logic, and problem-solving skills. A feedback scoresheet is provided to the parent and a subsequent 10-minute telephone call to discuss your child’s performance.
Investment: £60
Full details and bookings HERE
These services are offered on a first come first served basis so please reserve your place early to avoid disappointment.
I look forward to connecting with you and your son/daughter in the near future.
Whether or not your child has a school interview, this session will improve your child’s confidence, teamwork, logic, and problem-solving skills. A feedback scoresheet is provided to the parent and a subsequent 10-minute telephone call to discuss your child’s performance.
Investment: £60
Full details and bookings HERE
These services are offered on a first come first served basis so please reserve your place early to avoid disappointment.
I look forward to connecting with you and your son/daughter in the near future.
