Mock Oxbridge Interviews
Since 2017, the Partnerships team have coordinated nearly 600 individual subject specific mock Oxbridge interviews for local and partner school Year 13 students. Previously, interviews were hosted at Eton College, however due to Covid restrictions in 2020, the interviews are now held online through Zoom. The online format best reflects official Oxbridge interviews which are currently remaining virtual.
In 2021, online interviews were given to 116 students from 8 different schools, applying for 33 different degree courses at either Oxford or Cambridge. These subject-specific interviews were held by 21 Eton teachers and 21 external interviewers made up of Eton College alumni, parents, and partner school staff. The mock interviews took place in the evenings alongside five free webinars for students and teachers on Oxbridge application preparation. The webinars were delivered in collaboration with Dr Joe Organ, Schools Liaison Officer, Brasenose College Oxford.
Stats:
116 students interviewed.
8 different schools.
33 different degree courses covered.
21 Eton teachers and 21 external interviewers.
30% of students who attended an official Oxbridge interview received a conditional offer.
Impact
In 2022, offers were made to 30% of the students who participated in the 2021 mock interviews and attended an official Oxbridge interview.
Interviewers –
“It's very good that Eton is doing this and as a school parent I'm glad to be able to do what I can to help” – Eton Parent
“It is always rewarding to be helping a young person with something that they are challenged by” – Eton Alumni
“I enjoyed seeing a candidate from a different school with similar passion for the subject.” – Eton Teacher
Interviewees –
“Good replication of an Oxbridge interview- very academic.” – LAE pupil
“Really engaging and explained concepts in detail - enjoyed the questions which were asked as they were creative.” – Windsor Girls’ School pupil
“He was very good at asking hard questions and gave me good advice on resources I could access to improve in my weaker areas.” – Slough & Eton Business and Enterprise College Pupil
