The Geek School Blog
Your Complete 11 Plus Exam Success Resource
Join 1,000+ parents getting expert 11 Plus and independent school insights from us, curated by Geek School Tutoring’s managing director, and journalist, Joycellyn Akuffo. Get free exam timelines, tips on helping your child to pass these competitive exams, and exam strategies that actually work, from the actual 11 Plus exam experts.
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From Newsroom to Classroom: How My Journalism Career Shaped the Way I Teach 11+ Writing
Geek School founder Joycellyn Akuffo shares how a journalism career at the Sunday Mirror, Cosmopolitan and Glamour shaped a completely different approach to teaching 11+ creative writing.
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Get Your Child’s 11+ Writing Exam-Ready Before Summer: The April Intensive and Mini Course Plan
The April holidays are the last calm window before 11+ prep goes up a gear. Find out how the Geek School April Intensive and 11+ Creative Writing Mini Course work together to give your child a real advantage.
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Why I Mark 11+ Writing Like a Magazine Editor – And What That Means for Your Child
A former Sunday Mirror journalist explains why she marks 11+ creative writing like an editor, not a tutor, and what that means for your child’s exam preparation.
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Why Grammar School Success Rates Matter: Real Results from Our Beckenham & Lewisham Students
Results matter. But not in the way that most people think. When parents ask me about our success rates, they’re really asking something deeper: can I trust you with my child? That’s the real question. And it deserves a real answer – not a polished marketing figure, but an honest picture of what success actually
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11 Plus Persuasive Writing: Tips, Techniques and Practice Resources
Persuasive writing is one of the most commonly tested writing styles in 11 Plus entrance exams – and one that trips up many children who haven’t practised it specifically. Unlike narrative writing, persuasive writing requires a completely different set of techniques: strong opening statements, structured arguments, counter-arguments and a convincing call to action. The good
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Best 11 Plus Writing Practice Books: What to Look For and Where to Find Them
If your child is preparing for the 11 Plus exam, finding the right writing practice resources can feel overwhelming. With so many options out there – from generic English workbooks to online courses – it’s easy to miss the resources that actually match what grammar schools and independent schools are looking for. This guide covers
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11 Plus Writing Prompts PDF: What to Look For and Where to Download Them
Finding free 11 Plus writing prompts PDFs online can feel like a lucky dip. Some are too easy, many don’t match the actual exam format, and almost none come with the structure and vocabulary guidance that makes practice genuinely useful. This guide explains what to look for in a good 11 Plus writing prompts resource,
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Supporting Your Child’s SATs and 11+ Journey as a Working Parent in South London
Let me paint you a picture. It’s 6:45pm. You’ve just walked through the door. There’s dinner to sort, the school bag to unpack, and your Year 5 child is looking at you with an expression that says ‘are we doing practice papers tonight?’ And honestly? You’re not sure you have anything left. This is the
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Free 11+ Assessment: What to Expect and How It Helps Your Child Stand Out for Grammar Schools
I’ll be honest with you: ‘free’ in the education world sometimes means a 10-minute online quiz that tells you your child is ‘above average’ regardless of what they scored. That’s not what this is. When we say free 11+ assessment at Geek School, we mean a genuine, professional evaluation – the kind that gives you
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Grammar School 11+ Registration 2026/27: Key Dates and Deadlines for South London Parents
Registration for the most competitive grammar schools in South London and Kent is already open, and several windows close in just weeks. Here are every deadline, every exam date, and exactly what you need to do right now for 2026/27 entry.

