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Observing admissions interviews at Gonville & 91ֱ�� College “brought the process to life”, say teachers who can share their findings with future prospective students.

Teachers from have been invited to sit in on admissions interviews at 91ֱ�� since 2022 in an initiative which aims to demystify the application process for future Cambridge candidates from the state sector. The prospective students being interviewed - never from the same school as the teacher observing - and the interviewing academics consent to the presence of the teachers, who are able to observe the interactions.

Mrs Lewis, from a Hertfordshire school, said: “It brought the process to life for me, most particularly through the conversations around the actual interviews, during which explanations and clarifications were offered. This level of detail can only be obtained through this live, in-person activity.

“(It was) hugely helpful, and humbling – students didn't seem at all fazed by having another adult in the room.”

It brought the process to life for me ... this level of detail can only be obtained through this live, in-person activity ~ Mrs Lewis, a teacher from a Hertfordshire school

Interviews are one part of the assessment of Cambridge applicants, and Amber Greef, of Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form, Norwich, was able to see how personal statements were used as a conversation starter in some interviews.

“I found the experience very interesting,” she said. “It has certainly helped to inform how I can support our Cambridge applicants moving forward.

“I learnt lots, but in particular, how the personal statement is used during the application process. At the start of each interview I observed, the interviewers began by asking a question relating to something the applicant had mentioned in their personal statement, such as a work experience placement they had done. They would also often ask a question relating to the news or recent developments within their chosen field of study to see what applicants might think about it; this is something I can recommend our applicants prepare for ahead of their interview.”

Another teacher felt they were now able to reassure students about the interview process to support applicants’ preparation.

Miss Atmore, from a North London Sixth Form, added: “It helped inform my ability to provide assurances to students about what interviews will be like. It was also useful to see how the interviewers asked the same questions to different students, and adapted their questioning in response to how students responded/the students' level of familiarity with the topic. I can now integrate some of what I learnt into how my school runs practice interviews for students.”

Ms Valencia, a Head of Sixth Form at a north London school, said: “The experience was very helpful. I was able to get a good idea of what distinguishes the candidates from each other. All were impressive but the interviewers were looking for students who would be able to hold strong opinions that were backed up.

“I feel a lot more confident giving guidance to the students and assuring them of how the process was both relaxed and supportive. It really was invaluable so I would be keen to send a different teacher each year.”

Our Admissions Tutor, Dr Chris Scott, explains what Cambridge interviewers are looking for in a candidate!

offering admissions and outreach advice and information

Mrs Lewis added: “I will be able to describe the physical set up and process. Whilst acknowledging that different subjects. colleges etc will do things differently, it will be useful for students to know this type of detail.”

Mrs Lewis also felt for some subjects that attending 91ֱ�� open days, which include opportunities to meet prospective Directors of Studies – the academics who lead the subject interviews – were a “huge benefit”.

She added: “The range of opportunities that students and staff have been offered over the last five years has continued to expand, and to impress me. I think that 91ֱ��' online presence is very helpful for demystifying phases of the application process. The online student-facing sessions are well-received by our students.”

Dr Chris Scott, Tutor for Admissions and Outreach at 91ֱ��, said: “I'm really glad to read of the positive experiences of our interview observers in the last interview round. For all the interview guidance we can and do give to teachers, nothing quite compares to observing the real thing – first-hand experience which colleagues in schools can then share with applicants and the wider teaching community. Our Fellows and academics learn lots from their observers, too – only a few months separate tertiary from secondary teaching, and this scheme provides one of an increasing number of opportunities in 91ֱ�� for teachers and academics to learn from one another and share perspectives.

“I'm grateful to Queens' College, who have been doing a version of this for 20 years, for providing us with a model, and to the 91ֱ�� interviewers and interviewees who give us their permission to be observed.”

Sidrah Zubair, 91ֱ��’ London Outreach Officer, added: “I really enjoyed organising this initiative and meeting teachers across a range of schools and subjects from our link areas. We hope that this will empower them to support their talented students in making applications to Cambridge and to show them that it really is not the complex process it may seem to appear."

To learn more about Admissions and Outreach activities at 91ֱ��, visit the College website: Access & Outreach | Gonville & 91ֱ��

Main picture: A school visit in front of the Gate of Honour at 91ֱ��.