AI, Admissions and the Importance of the Interview
Over the past year, artificial intelligence has quietly but profoundly reshaped the education landscape. From adaptive learning platforms and online assessments to essay drafting tools and personal statement support, AI is now part of everyday academic life for many children.
For parents navigating key transition points into the UK education system, whether that is 11+, 13+, sixth form entry or the UCAS process, this raises understandable questions. How much is too much? How are schools and universities responding? And what really matters now when it comes to admissions?
One clear answer is this: in an AI-influenced admissions world, interviews matter more than ever.
Where AI is showing up in school applications
AI is already being used, formally and informally, across many parts of the admissions process. Children may encounter it through:
Practice platforms that personalise questions and feedback
Online tests taken remotely, increasingly common at pre-test and senior school level
Writing tools that help structure or refine answers
Support with personal statements and written submissions, particularly for sixth form and UCAS
None of this is a secret. Admissions teams across prep schools, senior schools and universities are acutely aware of how accessible these tools have become. As a result, written work no longer always carries the same evidential weight it once did.
This does not mean schools are hostile to AI. It does mean they are more cautious about what written submissions can reliably show them about a child as an individual.
Why interviews have become more important, not less
It is tempting to assume that interviews are becoming less relevant in a digital world. In reality, the opposite is true.
From 11+ and 13+ through to sixth form and university admissions, interviews now serve several crucial purposes:
They help schools check consistency between written work and spoken responses
They reveal how a child approaches unfamiliar or challenging questions
They show how a candidate listens, responds and adapts in conversation
AI can help draft an answer. It cannot hold a meaningful discussion, explain reasoning on the spot, or respond thoughtfully to a follow-up question. Admissions teams know this, which is why interviews carry renewed weight at every stage of the process.
Common interview pitfalls
Even academically strong candidates can struggle in interviews, particularly if they are used to highly structured preparation or heavily coached responses.
Some of the most common issues we see include:
Over-rehearsed answers that sound impressive but lack authenticity
Limited understanding of the school, subject or course applied for
Difficulty explaining why they hold a particular view
Anxiety when questions move away from familiar ground
For international applicants, these challenges can be amplified by cultural differences in interview style and expectations. UK interviews, in particular, tend to reward discussion, reflection and intellectual curiosity rather than simply arriving at the “right” answer.
What effective interview preparation looks like now
Good interview preparation has never been about memorising answers, and in an AI age this is even more important.
The most effective preparation focuses on:
Helping children articulate their own ideas clearly and confidently
Encouraging them to think aloud and explain their reasoning
Building familiarity with interview formats, whether online or in person
Developing a genuine understanding of the schools or courses they are applying to
When done well, this approach builds confidence quickly. Children feel more comfortable expressing themselves, even when faced with unexpected questions, and are better able to show who they are as learners and individuals.
How parents can support their child
Parents play an important role at all stages, from early school entry through to university applications.
Practical support includes:
Encouraging open, thoughtful conversation at home about interests and learning
Avoiding over-coaching or scripting responses
Ensuring children understand why they are applying to a particular school or course
Framing interviews as an opportunity to talk and explore ideas, not a test to fear
Above all, reassurance matters. Interviews are not about perfection. They are about potential.
Looking ahead
AI will continue to evolve, and admissions processes will continue to adapt. What remains constant is the value placed on authenticity, independent thinking and genuine engagement.
In a world where written work is easier to polish than ever, conversation has become one of the most trusted windows into a child’s character and potential. That is why interviews are not a relic of the past, but a vital part of admissions at every level.
If you would like guidance on how interview preparation fits into your child’s wider admissions journey, we are always happy to talk through options and timing. A short conversation at the right moment can often make the process feel far clearer and more manageable for both parents and children.
Published 2026