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Interviewing for a Place to Study at Cambridge University

Cambridge University, founded over 800 years ago, supposedly by scholars fleeing from irate townsfolk in Oxford, is one of the world's greatest universities and a historic seat of learning. Graced by the stunning architecture of its colleges, and filled with keen minds from around the world, Cambridge is an amazing place to study your chosen subject.

Securing a place at one of the University's 31 historic colleges is no easy feat, and the Cambridge admissions interview is often the subject of a great deal of nervousness. We hope the answers below to many of the most frequently asked questions about these interviews will help you with making a successful application!

Will Orr-Ewing, Keystone's founder, was featured in Spear's Magazine article “The top education and tutoring specialists for high-net-worth individuals”.

Founded in 1382 by William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester (who also founded New College, Oxford), this is one of the oldest schools in the world. The College is situated in the beautiful city of Winchester, and its buildings and grounds are outstanding. Academic standards are extremely high with boys achieving exceptional results. Winchester is a full-boarding school with a demanding extra-curricular programme, but despite this fast pace it is characterised as much by its consideration of individual needs as it is by collective endeavour.

The school began welcoming girls as day pupils to the sixth form in September 2022. Boys are currently welcomed as day or boarding pupils and girls’ boarding places will be available from September 2026. The admission of girls (and the increasing number of day pupils) will significantly increase the size of the sixth form. Over time the school plans to admit a minimum of 30 day pupils (approximately half of these will be girls) and up to 50 girl boarders into the sixth form.

Achieving an A or A star in A Level Spanish is undoubtedly challenging, but with the right approach and dedication, it's entirely attainable. This guide will equip you with essential strategies resources and tips to excel in all aspects of the exam.  

For an overview of A Level preparation across subjects, our A Level Revision Tips article covers proven strategies that can be adapted to Spanish.

A Levels are challenging, and French is no exception. Even native speakers can struggle with the complexities of the language at this level. However, with the right approach and dedication, achieving top grades is entirely within reach. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the essential tools and strategies to excel in your A Level French exams.  For general revision strategies, see our A Level Revision Tips Guide.

What is a grammar school? 

State funded secondary schools which select students based on their scores in competitive entrance exams are known as grammar schools.  

Where are grammar schools? 

Grammar schools were first created by the Education Act of 1944 but since 1998, no new grammar schools can be established. As a result, there are only around 163 grammar schools in England, and 69 in Northern Ireland; there are no state funded grammar schools in Wales or Scotland. 

The highest concentration of grammar schools can be found in Kent, Medway, Essex, Buckinghamshire and Lincolnshire; Gloucestershire, Trafford and Slough have several grammar schools alongside their comprehensive schools and there are a handful of grammar schools in Birmingham, Bournemouth and some boroughs in London. 

Parents can explore a full comparison of the top grammar schools in the UK in our detailed national rankings guide.

Achieving top grades in GCSE German can seem daunting, especially given the language's complexities. Covering grammar, vocabulary and speaking skills, this comprehensive guide provides study techniques and examiner recommendations to ensure you are fully prepared to achieve a 9 in your German GCSE.

For many parents in Essex, securing a place at one of the county’s selective secondary schools is a major priority. Essex grammar schools are among the most academically successful in England, with excellent GCSE and A-Level results and strong progression to top universities. This guide explains the best grammar schools in Essex, how admissions work, and how to help your child succeed in the competitive 11+ process.

Attaining a 9 in GCSE Spanish is achievable with the right strategic preparation. In this guide, you'll find techniques to help you excel in your Spanish exams.

Note: The Classics Admissions Test (CAT) has now been discontinued. Applicants do not need to take a written test as part of an application for any of the following courses: Classics, Classics and English, Classics and Modern Languages and Classics and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at Oxford University.

Choosing the right school for your child is a pivotal decision, and for parents in Kent, the selection of grammar schools offers a pathway to exceptional education. Each year, thousands of pupils sit the Kent Test (11+), competing for places at schools known for academic excellence, outstanding university progression, and strong extracurricular programmes.

This guide explores the best grammar schools in Kent, how admissions work, and what parents should consider when choosing the right school for their child.

Super-curricular activities are intellectually enriching pursuits that extend beyond the standard curriculum. Super-curricular activities are essential for applications to top universities, demonstrating commitment and deeper engagement with a chosen subject.  

Keystone was featured in an article by the Times. This piece covers the increase in demand for 11-plus tuition and how this could potentially impact the social exclusivity of selective schools. Keystone's Founder and Director, Will Orr-Ewing, contributed to the article.

Francis Holland Schools comprise two sister schools: the first in Regent’s Park, founded in 1878, and the second in Sloane Square, founded in 1881. These schools aim to provide an outstanding education for girls and have a long-standing reputation for their exceptional pastoral care. With a strong focus on creativity, innovation and enterprise, Francis Holland Schools combine first-class facilities with a rigorous academic programme. At the same time, they foster a kind, vibrant and happy environment in which to learn.  

Francis Holland Sloane Square aims to inspire its girls to become the leaders, thinkers and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. Alongside its academic prowess, the school has an exceptional reputation in Sport and the Arts. It is this holistic approach to girls’ education that earns Francis Holland Sloane Square its exemplary standing among independent schools. The school community has been described as friendly and supportive, with teachers going above and beyond to help pupils take advantage of the vast range of opportunities available, both within the school and its wider central London home.  

Francis Holland Schools comprise two sister schools: the first in Regent’s Park, founded in 1878, and the second in Sloane Square, founded in 1881. These schools aim to provide an outstanding education for girls and have a long-standing reputation for their exceptional pastoral care. With a strong focus on creativity, innovation and enterprise, Francis Holland Schools combine first-class facilities with a rigorous academic programme. At the same time, they foster a kind, vibrant and happy environment in which to learn.  

Francis Holland Regent’s Park, the oldest of the two schools, emphasises the importance of providing an excellent, balanced education, citing compassion, knowledge and perseverance as key values in its community. In recent years, the school has benefitted from significant expansion to its infrastructure, including the new Helen McCrory Drama Studio, Art and Music Studios, and Classics Centre, which all opened in 2021. A new Sixth Form Centre was also unveiled in 2022, providing an ideal bridge between a secondary school and university experience. Enjoying a wonderful location near to Regent’s Park, the School benefits from the energy and charm these surroundings provide, making it a vibrant and inspirational place for girls to learn.

What is verbal reasoning?

Verbal reasoning tests a pupil’s ability to solve problems using a combination of letters and words. It assesses the extent of a child’s literacy, their vocabulary, and their critical and constructive thinking skills.

How hard is it to get a 9 in GCSE English Literature? 

It is hard to get a 9 in English Literature and even talented students need to be on top of their game to gain the very highest level in this subject. But it is possible. Part of being successful is cultural and part of it is practical.  

The successful student of English Literature immerses themselves not just in the texts of the course but in books and reading more generally. There is a historical and ‘cultural studies’ element to doing well here, and being what they used to call ‘well read’ – even at fifteen. Paying attention to the written world around you, thinking about it, making connections between newspapers and fiction, arguing, reading 1984 and Ian McEwan’s early short stories; this will stand you in good stead, not just in English but in your other subjects too.  

But not only English boffins get 9s – those that work hard get 9s too. This work starts at the very beginning of the course and means doing your homework, asking questions in class, reading works by the course authors that are not on the course, experimenting with vocabulary, being pernickety about spelling, and about doing your revision. By the time you get to the exam you have to be able to persuade examiners that you have enjoyed your reading - and enjoy writing. It is worth saying that often the best English students do not go on to study English at A Level, so success in the subject is not the preserve of ‘literary’ people. Rather this suggests that reading is a part of all successful academic study.