You’re doing everything right. You found a reputable 11+ tutor, you’re paying the fees, and your child is diligently attending the sessions. Their maths and comprehension scores are slowly ticking up. But when you look at their creative writing, something is missing. The stories are flat, the descriptions are bland, and the marks just aren’t improving.

If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. It’s one of the most common frustrations we hear from parents. They feel like they’re wasting money on tuition that isn’t delivering results where it matters most: the one part of the exam where their child can truly shine.

The problem isn’t your child, and it probably isn’t even the tutor. The problem is the traditional tuition format itself, which is fundamentally unsuited to teaching creative writing. Here are the three main reasons why.

City of London School for Girls (CLSG) is one of the most prestigious and academic schools in the country. Securing a place is incredibly challenging, and the Stage 2 English exam is a major part of the assessment. What makes the CLSG exam stand out is its unique and demanding format: it’s the only 11+ exam that requires students to complete two compulsory writing tasks in a short space of time.

Many parents and tutors are unaware of this dual-task challenge, and they prepare their children for a standard creative writing test. This is a huge mistake. At 11 Plus Essay, we have delved deep into the CLSG exam format to give you the specific preparation your daughter needs.

Alleyn’s School in Dulwich is a top choice for many families, known for its academic excellence and co-educational environment. The 11+ entrance exam is highly competitive, and the creative writing task is a crucial opportunity for your child to showcase their unique voice and imagination. While the format is simpler than some other schools, that doesn’t make it any easier to stand out.

At 11 Plus Essay, we’ve helped hundreds of students secure places at their dream schools, including Alleyn’s. This guide will walk you through the Alleyn’s writing exam and give you the tools you need to support your child.

Trinity School in Croydon is one of the most sought-after independent schools for boys in South London. The 11+ entrance exam is a significant hurdle, and while many parents drill their sons on comprehension and maths, they often underestimate the importance of the creative writing task. It’s the one area where your child can truly show their personality and stand out from the crowd.

Reading authentic examples of 11 Plus creative writing is one of the most powerful ways to help children improve. For over a decade, I’ve supported children sitting for Stage 2 grammar school exams like the Sutton Grammar and St. Olave’s tests, as well as competitive independent schools such as Eltham College, Dulwich College, Trinity, JAGS, and the City of London Schools. Across all of these, one thing remains constant: children often struggle not because they lack ideas, but because they don’t know how to turn those ideas into well-structured, compelling stories.

That’s where real examples from students, just like your child, come in. Whether your child is a confident writer or dreads the creative writing section, reading and analysing marked stories can unlock so much progress.

Over the years, I’ve had countless parents come to me feeling lost. Their child writes stories – sometimes even enjoys writing – but when it comes to the 11 Plus, they’re not producing good pieces of writing. I remember one mum telling me, “He’s imaginative – but we’re just not getting the ideas on paper properly. I don’t know what to do, and my son is getting frustrated as well.” And that’s exactly it – most parents don’t know what examiners are looking for, but can see when their child is struggling – and when they will clearly lose marks because they either don’t have much writing on paper, or the standard of writing just isn’t up to even the basic standards sometimes.

So let’s walk through how to improve this.

Every writer has a voice. It’s the special way you tell a story, the words you choose, and the way your sentences flow. Have you ever read something and thought, “Wow, I know exactly who wrote this!”? That’s because the author’s voice was clear and strong.

Finding your unique writing style can feel tricky at first, but it’s also one of the most exciting parts of becoming a writer. In this post, we’ll explore different writing styles, share tips on discovering your voice, and help you feel confident in the way you write.

Have you ever read a story where you just couldn’t stop turning the pages? Where every word made your heart race, and you couldn’t wait to find out what happened next? That’s the power of tension and suspense. These tools are what keep readers glued to your story, eager to see what happens next.

But how do you create that feeling? How do you make readers sit on the edge of their seats? In this post, we’ll explore the secrets of building tension and suspense and share tips to help you keep your readers hooked from start to finish.

Have you ever read a story that made you feel nervous, excited, or even peaceful just from the way it was described? That’s the power of atmosphere. Atmosphere is the feeling or mood you create in your story through your words, descriptions, and tone.

Whether it’s a spooky haunted house, a bright summer’s day, or a tense chase scene, the right atmosphere can pull your readers into your world and keep them hooked. In this post, we’ll explore how to build atmosphere in your writing and share tips to help you set the perfect mood for every scene.

The 11 Plus exam is a significant milestone for children aiming to secure a place in selective grammar or independent schools. Among its various components, the essay writing task often feels like the most challenging. However, with the right preparation, structure, and mindset, your child can excel and approach this task with confidence.

In this guide, we’ll break down every aspect of writing a winning 11 Plus essay—from understanding the task and planning effectively to crafting a polished final piece. Whether you’re a parent supporting your child or a student preparing for the big day, this article will equip you with actionable insights and strategies for success.