Advice and Resources
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From Struggling to Standout: How Our 11+ Writing Course Transformed My Child’s Confidence
When one of my first 11 Plus students first sat down to attempt a practice 11+ writing task, I watched his confidence crumble in real-time. Despite being a bright child who loved reading, he froze when faced with a blank page and a ticking clock. His first attempts were disorganised, basic, and nowhere near the
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11+ Creative Writing Course: 5 Techniques That Impress Examiners
11+ Creative Writing Course: 5 Techniques That Impress Examiners As a parent who’s helped more than 1,000 children secure places at top grammar and independent schools, I know exactly what keeps you up at night during the 11+ preparation journey. “Will my child’s writing be good enough?” “What are examiners actually looking for?” “How can
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11+ Creative Writing Course: 5 Techniques That Impress Examiners
The writing component of the 11+ exams often separates the good candidates from the exceptional ones. As a parent, you might be wondering what exactly examiners are looking for in your child’s writing. What makes one piece stand out while another fall short? Perhaps with equally creative ideas. Having helped more than 1,000 children with
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Normal 11-Year-Olds’ English Creative Writing: How Is It Different from the 11 Plus?
Most parents presume that if a child is doing well in English at school, especially when it comes to writing stories, they’ll naturally excel in the 11 Plus creative writing exam. But as I’ve seen over the last 10 years of preparing students for grammar school Stage 2 tests like Sutton Grammar and St Olave’s,
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Online vs. Face-to-Face: Why Our 11+ Writing Course Outperforms Private Tutoring
“Shouldn’t I just hire a private tutor for my child’s 11+ preparation?” As a parent navigating the competitive world of grammar and independent school applications, you’ve likely asked yourself this question. After all, conventional wisdom suggests that one-to-one tutoring is the gold standard for academic support. But what if I told you that for many
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11 Plus Writing Samples (With Step-by-Step Feedback Breakdown)
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,
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How to Help Your Child Build Imagination for the 11 Plus Creative Writing Exam
One of the biggest misconceptions I hear from mums is: “My child just isn’t imaginative. They hate making things up.” But the truth is, all children are imaginative – they just need help unlocking it in the right way, especially when it comes to creative writing for the 11 Plus. I once worked with a
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Figurative Language in 11+ Writing: How to Use Similes, Metaphors and Personification
Figurative language can completely transform a child’s writing – but only when it’s used well. I’ve marked thousands of 11 Plus stories over the years, and one of the biggest things that separates a middle-band script from a top-band one is the writer’s ability to bring their description to life with similes, metaphors and personification.
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Cracking the Code: Are Online Creative Writing Courses the Key to 11 Plus Exam Success?
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
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10 Descriptive Writing Prompts for 11 Plus Practice at Home
Helping your child improve their descriptive writing for the 11 Plus doesn’t have to feel like pulling teeth. In fact, it can be one of the most creative and enjoyable parts of your child’s preparation – especially when you have the right prompts to spark their imagination. I’ve worked with hundreds of children preparing for
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