Advice and Resources
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City of London Girls School 11 Plus English: The Complete Guide
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+…
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Alleyn’s 11 Plus Creative Writing: The Complete 2025 Guide
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…
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Trinity School 11 Plus Writing Test: The Complete 2025 Guide
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…
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Why Your Generic 11+ Tutor is Failing Your Child on the Independent School Writing Exam
You’re investing a significant amount of money in an 11+ tutor. Your child’s maths and reasoning scores are steadily improving, and they seem to be keeping up in their group sessions. Yet, when you look at their creative writing, something is missing. It’s not bad, but it’s not brilliant. It lacks the spark, the sophistication,…
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5 Writing Mistakes That Will Cost Your Child a Place at a Top London Independent School
Your child is bright, articulate, and has a wonderful imagination. So why doesn’t their creative writing reflect that? When it comes to the highly competitive entrance exams for London’s top independent schools, it’s not just about having good ideas. It’s about avoiding the common traps that even the brightest students fall into. These schools aren’t…
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My Child’s Independent School Mock Exam Was a Disaster. Here’s How to Fix Their Creative Writing.
The mock exam results are in, and your heart sinks. The maths score is okay, the comprehension is fine, but the creative writing mark is a disaster. Next to the low score is a vague, unhelpful comment: “Needs more detail” or “Lacks structure.” Your child’s confidence is shattered, and you feel a rising sense of…
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How to Prepare for the JAGS 11 Plus Creative Writing Exam
Getting into James Allen’s Girls’ School (JAGS) is a dream for many families. It’s one of London’s top independent schools, and the 11+ entrance exam is notoriously competitive. While many parents focus on the ISEB Pre-test, they often overlook the one thing that can make or break their daughter’s application: the creative writing paper. At…
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How to Prepare for the James JAGS 11+ Creative Writing Exam (2025 Guide)
Getting into James Allen’s Girls’ School (JAGS) is a dream for many families. It’s one of London’s top independent schools, and the 11+ entrance exam is notoriously competitive. While many parents focus on the ISEB Pre-test, they often overlook the one thing that can make or break their daughter’s application: the creative writing paper. At…
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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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