Dressing for Success: What Your Child Should Wear to Private School Interviews

Let me tell you about a conversation I had last week with a parent who was genuinely stressed about what her daughter should wear to her independent school interview. “Should she wear a suit? Is that too formal? What if everyone else is more casual? What if she’s overdressed?”

I get these questions all the time. And I understand why parents worry – you want everything to be perfect. But here’s the thing: getting the outfit right isn’t about being the best-dressed child in the room. It’s about your child feeling confident and comfortable, and showing respect for the occasion.

So let’s talk about what actually works.

The Golden Rule: Smart But Comfortable

Here’s what I tell every parent: your child needs to look smart, but they also need to feel like themselves. If they’re uncomfortable, distracted by itchy fabric, or worried about their clothes, they won’t be able to focus on the interview itself.

And that’s what really matters.

Think of it this way: the interviewers aren’t judging a fashion show. They’re looking at whether your child has made an effort and shown respect for the occasion. That’s it.

For Boys: Keep It Simple and Smart

The formula for boys is pretty straightforward, and honestly, that makes life easier.

The Safe Bet:
– A collared shirt (white, blue, or another plain colour)
– Smart trousers (not jeans, not tracksuit bottoms – proper trousers)
– Smart shoes (not trainers, not football boots – proper shoes)
– A jumper or cardigan if it’s cold

That’s it. You don’t need a suit. You don’t need a tie (though if your child is comfortable wearing one, it’s fine). You just need clean, smart, well-fitting clothes.

What to Avoid:
– Anything with big logos or slogans
– Trainers (I know they’re comfortable, but save them for after the interview)
– Jeans or casual trousers
– T-shirts (even smart ones – go for a collared shirt)
– Anything brand new that hasn’t been worn before (more on this in a moment)

For Girls: Smart and Comfortable

Girls have a few more options, which can actually make it harder to choose. But the principle is the same: smart, comfortable, appropriate.

Good Options:
– A smart dress with a cardigan
– A skirt or smart trousers with a blouse or smart top
– Smart shoes (not trainers, not party shoes with heels)
– Tights if wearing a skirt or dress

What to Avoid:
– Anything too casual (leggings, jeans, hoodies)
– Anything too fancy (party dresses, sparkly shoes)
– Anything uncomfortable (tight waistbands, scratchy fabrics)
– Excessive jewellery or accessories
– Anything brand new that hasn’t been worn before

The “Brand New” Trap

Here’s a mistake I see parents make all the time: they buy a completely new outfit for the interview, and their child wears it for the first time on the day.

Don’t do this.

New shoes might rub. New trousers might be uncomfortable. New shirts might be itchy. And your child will spend the entire interview thinking about how uncomfortable they are instead of answering questions.

Whatever you choose, make sure your child has worn it at least once before. Make sure they can sit comfortably in it, move in it, and forget about it.

Hair and Grooming: The Details That Matter

This is where a lot of parents forget to think, but it’s actually really important.

Hair:
– Clean and neat (obviously)
– Out of their face (if it’s long, tie it back or clip it back)
– No extreme styles or colours (if your child has bright blue hair normally, that’s fine – but maybe not the day to debut it)

General Grooming:
– Clean hands and nails
– Clean teeth (obvious, but worth saying)
– No strong perfume or aftershave (some people are sensitive to scents)

These might seem like tiny details, but they all contribute to that overall impression of someone who’s made an effort and takes this seriously.

What About School Uniform?

Some schools specifically ask children to wear their current school uniform to the interview. If that’s the case, obviously follow that instruction.

If they don’t specify, you have a choice. Wearing their current school uniform is perfectly acceptable and shows they’re proud of their school. But smart casual clothes are fine too.

What matters is that everything is clean, neat, and well-fitting.

The Weather Factor

Don’t forget to think about the weather and the journey to the interview.

If it’s raining, bring an umbrella and maybe a waterproof jacket (that can be taken off before the interview).

If it’s cold, make sure they have a warm coat, but again, something that can be easily removed.

If it’s boiling hot, don’t put them in three layers. They need to be comfortable, not sweating through the interview.

The Confidence Factor

Here’s something that might surprise you: what your child wears matters less than how they feel in what they’re wearing.

A child who feels smart, comfortable, and confident in their outfit will come across better than a child who’s wearing the “perfect” outfit but feels uncomfortable or self-conscious.

So involve your child in the decision. Let them have some input. Make sure they feel good in what they’re wearing.

At Geek School Tutoring, we always tell children to dress as they would for the real thing during mock interviews. Not because we’re judging their clothes, but because we want them to practise feeling comfortable and confident in their interview outfit.

What Really Matters

Here’s the truth: I’ve never heard of a child being rejected because of what they wore to an interview (as long as it was appropriate and respectful).

But I have seen children lose confidence because they were uncomfortable, or distracted, or worried about their appearance.

So yes, dress them smartly. But more importantly, dress them comfortably. Make sure they can forget about what they’re wearing and focus on showing the school who they really are.

Because that’s what will get them the place. Not the perfect outfit, but the confidence to be themselves.

The Night Before Checklist

To save yourself stress on the day, lay everything out the night before:

• Outfit (checked and clean)
• Shoes (polished if needed)
• Any accessories (watch, hair ties, etc.)
• Coat or jacket
• Bag (if needed)

And make sure your child tries everything on one more time to check it all still fits and feels comfortable.

The Bottom Line

At Geek School Tutoring, we prepare children for every aspect of the interview process, including how to present themselves. But here’s what I always tell parents: the outfit is the easy part.

What’s harder – and what matters more – is building the confidence and communication skills that will help your child shine in that interview, regardless of what they’re wearing.

That’s what we do. We prepare the whole child, not just their academic knowledge. And that’s why our students go on to places like St. Olave’s, Dulwich College, and Henrietta Barnett.

Book a £5 assessment with us today and let’s talk about how we can help your child feel completely prepared for their school interview. We’ve got centres in Beckenham and Lewisham, plus online tuition available.

Because when your child walks into that interview room feeling confident, comfortable, and prepared, that’s when the magic happens.