Walking into the room with confidence.
Personalised, strength-based coaching for children and teenagers preparing for entrance interviews, public speaking, or simply talking to people they don't know yet.
Available in person and online, anywhere in the world.
Prepared, understood and ready to speak up.
- BSc Psychology (Hons)
- Qualified Teacher Status
- London Teacher of the Year Award 2021
- Psychological Researcher
- Former Assistant Psychologist
- 10+ years experience across Psychology and Education
- In person across North London and online worldwide
Being asked to talk about yourself, to a stranger, with everyone watching, is a lot to ask of anyone. For a young person it can feel enormous.
Interviews for secondary schools, sixth forms and universities, school presentations, drama and debating events, even a first day with a new group of people: all of these ask young people to speak up, think on their feet and make a good impression. Many have never been taught how to do that. They have simply been expected to manage.
This is where Ruby can help. Together, Ruby and your child make these moments feel more familiar, more manageable and far less frightening.
Why it can feel so hard right now
Plenty of young people find this difficult, and there are understandable reasons why.
Growing up behind screens. A great deal of children's social life now happens through messages, group chats and games. That has real benefits, but it means fewer everyday chances to practise holding a conversation, reading someone's face or answering an unexpected question out loud.
The years of disruption. Many of today's children and teenagers spent important stretches of their development at home during the pandemic. Fewer playground friendships, fewer classroom discussions, fewer small moments of speaking up. Some have caught up easily. Others are still finding their footing.
Social communication differences. For some young people, the unwritten rules of conversation do not come naturally. Knowing when to speak, how much to say, what a question is really asking, or how to read a pause can take more effort. These young people are often thoughtful, capable and knowledgeable, but an interview can make it hard for that to show.
High stakes, little practice. Entrance interviews often matter a great deal, yet most children have never sat through anything like one. Not knowing what to expect is often the hardest part.
If any of this sounds familiar, please know that it is common, and that it is something a young person can get better at with the right support and enough practice.
How Ruby can help
Entrance and admissions interviews
For secondary schools, sixth forms, scholarships and beyond. Ruby looks at the kinds of questions young people are commonly asked, how to give a clear answer without rambling or freezing, how to talk about interests and achievements naturally, and how to ask a thoughtful question at the end. She then runs realistic practice interviews, so the real thing feels like something they have already done.
Public speaking and presenting
For assemblies, class presentations, performances, debates, speeches and competitions. Ruby works on planning what to say, using the voice, standing comfortably, handling nerves, and recovering gracefully if something goes wrong. Everything is built up gradually, starting small.
Everyday social communication
For young people who find meeting new people, joining in conversations or speaking to adults difficult. Ruby practises starting and ending conversations, listening and responding, reading the room, and speaking up kindly and clearly. This work is practical and low pressure, and always goes at the young person's pace.
The Confident Communication Programme
A structured six-session programme, shaped around your child's goals and the date of any event or interview. Some families choose a shorter block of four sessions, or a longer one of twelve.
The pace and content of the programme are tailored to each individual, based on their learning and neurodevelopmental profile. Some young people need more time to practise one skill, others are ready to move on quickly. The plan adapts to your child rather than the other way round.
- 01Session 1, Getting started: Ruby meets your child, talks about what feels hard and what they hope for, and agrees what they are working towards. No pressure and no performing.
- 02Session 2, Building the foundations: Voice, posture, eye contact, and the small habits that help someone come across as relaxed and approachable. Ruby also practises easy conversation starters with your child.
- 03Session 3, Thinking and answering: How to listen to a question, take a moment, and give a clear, organised answer. Ruby teaches simple ways to structure thoughts and what to do when a mind goes blank.
- 04Session 4, Practising for real: A first mock interview or practice speech in a realistic setting, followed by gentle, specific feedback focused on what is going well and what to try next.
- 05Session 5, Growing in confidence: This builds on session four with a second, more challenging practice, tailored to the particular school, event or situation, and Ruby works on handling nerves.
- 06Session 6, Final rehearsal and plan: A full run-through, a recap of the tools your child has learned, and a simple plan for the day itself. Your child leaves knowing what they can do, not just what to avoid.
What a session feels like
Ruby puts children at ease by noticing what makes them feel calm and confident, and builds on their strengths from there. Sessions begin with what feels comfortable and build up gradually.
Sessions are available in person and online, anywhere in the world. Families in the UK and overseas work with Ruby in exactly the same way, and online sessions include the same live practice interviews and speaking rehearsals.
Who this is for
- Children and teenagers preparing for school, sixth form or university interviews
- Young people with a speech, presentation, performance or debate coming up
- Quieter or shyer children who would like to feel more at ease around others
- Young people who find social communication harder, including those with additional needs, who benefit from patient, clear and practical support
- Families living abroad whose children are applying to UK schools or universities
- Anyone who has had a difficult experience speaking in public and wants to feel differently next time
How parents can help
You know your child best, so Ruby always welcomes your thoughts at the start. She shares a brief summary after each session of what was covered and what to try at home. If there is a particular concern, a date to work towards or something that has worked before, she will build it into the plan.
Both taught and understood
Some children come to Ruby for confidence, friendships or managing change. Others come for academic support, whether that is catching up, keeping pace or being stretched further. Many need both. Over 10 years working with children and families, nationally and internationally, Ruby has learned to notice what sits beneath the surface.
Frequently asked questions
How early should we start before an interview?
Ideally six to eight weeks, which gives time to build confidence gradually. If the interview is sooner, Ruby can still make a real difference with a focused plan.
Will my child be put on the spot?
No. Ruby starts gently and builds up. Practice interviews are always introduced first, and feedback is kind and specific.
My child is very shy. Will this help?
Very often, yes. Many quiet children thrive with a calm, step by step approach. Ruby never tries to change who they are. She helps them share more of it.
My child has additional needs or finds social situations difficult. Can you help?
Yes. Ruby adapts the pace, the language and the activities to suit each young person. Please tell her what you think would be helpful and she will take it from there.
Does Ruby cover specific schools?
Ruby prepares young people for a wide range of entrance and admissions interviews. If you tell her where your child is applying, she will tailor the practice accordingly.
Do sessions happen in person or online?
Both. Sessions are available in person and online, anywhere in the world. Many young people find online sessions a comfortable place to begin.
Let's help your child feel ready
If your child has an interview, a speech or a social situation coming up, or you simply feel they would benefit from more confidence, Ruby would love to hear from you.
Education-led tuition and coaching, not therapy or clinical treatment. If Ruby believes a child would benefit from clinical support, she will always say so.