It’s the time of year when the much-anticipated invitations for interview are very much on the minds of Oxbridge applicants. To give the best possible preparation to those aiming for Oxford, Cambridge or who are applying to study Medicine, the Higher Education Department organised and hosted a Schools Interview Exchange involving teachers and pupils from five local schools – St Bartholomew’s School, Park House School, Kennet School, Trinity School and The Downs School. This facilitates the advantage for everyone taking part of being interviewed by a teacher from another school who they have never met before.

Upper Sixth Form girl, Alex reports on how she found the Exchange helped,

“We were all given the opportunity to have a mock interview with a teacher from a different school about our own chosen subject and Personal Statement. Engaging in an academic conversation and undergoing the experience of a real interview with an unfamiliar figure was extremely helpful.

It was also very interesting to be able to talk with other students applying for the same subject. I am sure that the experience as well as the feedback provided were invaluable in helping to improve the interview skills of everyone who attended.”