If you’re wondering whether an online creative writing course can actually make a difference in your child’s 11 Plus preparation – you’re not alone. I’ve had so many mums ask me, “Can an online course really help my child write better?” The answer? Absolutely – if it’s done right.

I’ve seen children who once froze at the sight of a blank page go on to write fluent, vivid stories – all thanks to the structure, confidence, and consistency that an online course provides.

Let me share why online creative writing courses are one of the most effective tools for 11 Plus prep – and how to know if it’s right for your child.

Why Creative Writing Feels So Hard to Teach at Home

Let’s be honest: teaching your child creative writing at home is no easy feat.

• It’s hard to know where to start
• Feedback can feel subjective
• Most schools don’t teach fiction writing in depth

And with everything else going on – work, school runs, homework – creative writing often gets pushed to the side.

That’s where an online course steps in.

5 Reasons Online Creative Writing Courses Work

1. They Remove the Pressure

In a classroom or 1:1 setting, children can feel nervous about making mistakes. But with an online course, they can:

• Watch lessons at their own pace
• Pause and revisit tricky parts
• Practise in private without fear of embarrassment

This builds confidence without overwhelm.

2. They Provide a Step-by-Step Framework

A good course doesn’t just throw tasks at your child. It shows them how to write:

• How to plan a story
• How to build suspense
• How to use similes, metaphors and description effectively

It takes the guesswork out of writing.

3. They Allow Consistent Practice

Writing is a skill – and skills improve with repetition.

• Weekly writing prompts
• Mini assignments
• Practical exercises

These bite-sized tasks help children stay consistent without feeling overloaded.

4. They Offer Expert Feedback

Some courses (like ours!) include the option to submit writing for marking.

• Children see where they’ve gone wrong
• Parents stop second-guessing everything
• Progress becomes measurable

5. They Fit Around Busy Schedules

No need for a weekly Zoom slot or rearranging your calendar.

• Access the course anytime
• Pause and resume as needed
• Ideal for holidays or weekends

That flexibility makes it much easier to stick with.

How to Know If an Online Course Is Right for Your Child

It’s a great fit if:

• Your child resists writing but has potential
• They’ve got the basics (SPaG) but need structure and flair
• You want to stop guessing and follow a clear path

It’s not about replacing a tutor – it’s about supplementing or even fast-tracking what a tutor might take weeks to teach.

Why Our Online Creative Writing Courses Work

At Geek School, I’ve created a system that:

• Builds confidence quickly
• Focuses on the exact skills tested in the 11 Plus
• Works for children in Year 4 and 5

Whether your child needs to fix a weak spot or master the full creative writing journey, we’ve got a course that fits.

The Creative Writing Crash Course covers everything: structure, description, planning, voice, figurative language – and more.

And if your child struggles with a specific area (like recount or descriptive writing), our Mini Courses help fill those gaps in just a few sessions.

Your Next Step

Don’t wait for creative writing to become a source of stress. With the right support, your child can go from dreading the writing task to actually enjoying it – and more importantly, excelling at it.

Explore our Creative Writing Courses and give your child the tools, strategies and confidence to shine in the 11 Plus writing paper.