Engaging with classic literature can be hard work for a child.

Not because they aren’t clever enough to understand it, or because the stories are too old, or so dated they don’t make any sense.

It’s often because the language gets in the way.

Old-fashioned references. Archaic vocabulary. Long, winding sentences that seem to go on forever. Dense descriptions that can turn a young reader off, before the story has even had a chance to begin.

Creative writing is, by nature, subjective. So how do examiners mark it in an objective way? How can something as personal and imaginative as storytelling be measured with scores and checklists? It’s a challenge that often leaves both parents and children asking: “What exactly are they looking for?” or “What can make my story stand out over someone else’s?”

Creativity has always had its place in learning, but it’s becoming a core skill being assessed in students. It’s now a formal part of some Year 7 Entrance Exams and it’s catching parents off guard. Schools are introducing tasks that test imaginative thinking, clear communication and original problem-solving. These new tasks aren’t just about writing stories. They ask children to think on their feet, use language purposefully and respond to unusual prompts in thoughtful, original ways.