School Selection

Guides to choosing the right grammar school and understanding admission criteria.

4articles

Choosing the Right Grammar School for Your Child

How to research grammar schools, understand different exam boards, navigate open days and catchment areas, and consider the factors that matter most beyond league tables.

9 minParent / Guardian

How to Research Grammar Schools in Your Area

A practical guide for parents beginning the grammar school research process. Cover: how to find grammar schools near you, what to look at on school websites (admissions criteria, exam format, catchment areas, Ofsted reports), how to attend open days effectively, and questions to ask current parents and teachers. Discuss the role of creative writing in different schools' entrance exams. Avoid ranking schools or making value judgments; focus on helping parents make informed decisions based on their own priorities.

4 min readIntermediate

Grammar School vs Independent School Creative Writing Exams: Key Differences

Explain how creative writing assessment differs between grammar school entrance exams and independent school entrance exams. Grammar schools typically use GL Assessment or CEM with shorter, more structured prompts. Independent schools often give longer writing windows, sometimes with a choice of narrative or descriptive. Cover marking differences: grammar schools tend toward criterion-based marking while some independent schools use holistic impression marking. Help parents understand what this means for preparation strategy and which approach PenLeap supports.

4 min readIntermediate to Advanced

What to Expect on 11+ Exam Day: A Parent and Student Guide

Walk families through the entire exam day from arrival to finish. Cover: what time to arrive, what to bring (pencils, water, ID if required), what the exam room looks like, how the papers are distributed, how much time is given for each section, what happens during breaks, and what happens at the end. Address the creative writing paper specifically: when it appears in the exam, how the prompt is presented, and whether rough planning paper is provided. Include tips for parents waiting outside: how to stay calm and what to say when your child comes out.

4 min readIntermediate

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