Preparing for 11+ Creative Writing Success: A Guide for Bromley Parents

For many parents in Bromley aiming to secure a grammar or selective independent school place for their child, the creative writing element of the 11+ Creative Writing process can be one of the most challenging parts to prepare for. Unlike verbal and non-verbal reasoning, where answers are either right or wrong, creative writing tests a child’s ability to express ideas, use language imaginatively, and apply technical accuracy under time pressure.

Even more importantly, creative writing offers examiners a glimpse into a child’s thinking, communication skills, and academic maturity. These are qualities that are harder to measure through multiple-choice questions.

This guide breaks down the creative writing landscape for children preparing for grammar school entry from Bromley, outlines the specific requirements of schools that assess writing, and highlights practical strategies that lead to measurable improvement.

Grammar Schools Near Bromley Residents And 11 Plus Creative Writing Requirements

If you’re a Bromley-based parent, it’s essential to know what each of the commonly targeted grammar schools actually assess. One of the biggest misconceptions we hear from parents is assuming that all schools test creative writing.

Newstead Wood School

Newstead Wood is Bromley’s only local grammar school for girls, and it is a popular first-choice school for many families in the area. However, it’s important to clarify that Newstead Wood does not assess creative writing as part of its entrance test. The school uses GL Assessment papers in verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning only. There is no English comprehension or writing paper.

This means if Newstead Wood is your child’s only target school, creative writing isn’t examined directly. That said, creative writing is still valuable for strengthening overall literacy skills and performance at school, and may support future scholarship or independent school applications.

St. Olave’s Grammar School

St. Olave’s, located in nearby Orpington and open to boys, is a highly selective grammar school that does include a written component in its second-stage entrance exam. While the exact format can vary slightly year on year, it typically involves:

• A 40-minute writing task
• Emphasis on clear planning, structure, and originality
• A requirement to demonstrate a strong grasp of language, punctuation, and paragraphing

Parents should note that the writing task is often open-ended or scenario-based, testing both creativity and narrative structure. Exam technique plays a big role in standing out.

Dartford Grammar Schools

Both Dartford Grammar School (boys) and Dartford Grammar School for Girls are accessible to Bromley students via public transport, and many families choose to apply. These schools are part of the Kent Test (11 Plus) process, which includes:

• A writing task that may be used in borderline or appeal cases
• Emphasis on technical accuracy and creative quality
• A 30-minute writing section, often involving a descriptive or story continuation task

Although not always scored directly, the writing task can be a deciding factor in final selection.

Bexley Grammar Schools

Bexley has four grammar schools that attract applicants from Bromley:

• Beths Grammar School
• Bexley Grammar School
• Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School
• Townley Grammar School

Unlike the Kent schools, the Bexley schools do not include a writing task in their test process.

The Real Challenge: Bridging the Gap Between School English and Exam Expectations

Parents are often shocked to discover how far apart school English and 11+ writing expectations really are.

One of our parents, whose son is now at Dartford Grammar, put it well: “He was in the top set at school, and his reports always said he was doing really well in English. But when we looked at his first attempt at a creative writing paper, we realised he didn’t know how to structure a story or use description properly. It was like a different language.”

This is exactly why 11+ writing preparation needs to be strategic and tailored. It’s not just about being “good at English”. It’s about knowing what examiners look for and practising under timed conditions.

Let’s look at a real example of improvement to understand the transformation needed.

A Before-and-After Example From Our Tuition

Before Tuition (Year 5 Pupil):
“The boy went into the forest. He heard a noise. He was scared. He ran away. He tripped and fell. Then he got up. It was dark and spooky.”

This is very typical of what we see in our initial assessments. There’s basic structure and an attempt to tell a story, but:

• Sentences are all the same type
• Vocabulary is very simple
• There’s a lack of depth or description
• Emotions are told, not shown

After 6 Weeks of Targeted Writing Tuition Using Our Creative Writing Crash Course:
“Branches clawed at Jacob’s coat as he pushed deeper into the thicket, the crunch of leaves beneath his feet masking the distant howl that made his skin prickle. He froze. Something was moving, just beyond the line of crooked trees. His heart galloped. Should he turn back? No. He clenched his fists, remembering what his brother had said: be brave.”

This version shows:

• Stronger vocabulary choices (clawed, galloped, thicket)
• A shift from telling to showing (his heart galloped, skin prickle)
• Multi-sensory description (sound, sight, touch)
• Improved narrative structure

The Seven Core Skills for 11+ Creative Writing Success

Based on our work with hundreds of successful 11+ candidates, we’ve identified seven skills that matter most:

1. Sentence variety and control
Children must learn how to vary sentence length and structure for effect, and avoid repetition. Starting every sentence with ‘He’ or ‘She’ quickly becomes dull.

2. Advanced punctuation
Using commas correctly is one thing. But mastering semicolons, colons, and paragraphing adds an extra layer of polish that examiners notice.

3. Vocabulary development
Children should build word banks around emotions, settings, and actions so they have a rich toolkit to draw from under exam conditions.

4. Descriptive technique
Multi-sensory description, the “show, don’t tell” principle, and literary devices like personification can transform flat writing into vivid scenes.

5. Narrative structure
A well-structured story with a clear opening, build-up, climax, and resolution performs better than a meandering plot.

6. Planning under time pressure
Even a three-minute plan can help children write more confidently. We teach students how to sketch quick outlines to guide their ideas.

7. Editing skills
In timed exams, editing is often rushed or skipped. We train students to check key elements methodically in the final few minutes.

How Our Courses Help Bromley Students Succeed

At Geek School, we offer a complete suite of 11+ writing programmes to support students through every stage of their preparation.

1. Creative Writing Crash Course
Our flagship course covering planning, sentence structure, vocabulary, and descriptive techniques. Perfect for building solid foundations.
Sign up here

2. Write and Bloom Weekly Online Tuition
Live group lessons focused on a different skill each week, with regular practice and feedback. Ideal for ongoing development.
Join weekly sessions

3. Mini Courses (for targeted support):

• Transactional Writing Course
• Recount Writing Course
• Descriptive Writing Course
• Creative Writing Mini Course

These courses are designed with Bromley parents in mind, focusing on the entrance requirements for selective schools both within and beyond the borough.

Book a Complimentary Assessment

If you’re unsure where your child stands or want an expert opinion, we offer a free creative writing assessment for children preparing for the 11 Plus.

• Your child will complete a timed writing task
• We’ll provide detailed feedback and suggested next steps
• No pressure or obligation

To book your session, get in touch today or call us directly. Early preparation makes all the difference.

While Newstead Wood doesn’t test creative writing, most of the schools Bromley parents apply to do. And even for schools that don’t mark the writing directly, being able to write well helps children thrive across subjects.

If your child is preparing for the 11 Plus and writing feels like a weak point, don’t leave it to chance. With the right strategy, support, and tuition, your child can develop the confidence and skill to stand out on paper and in the exam hall.