Step Write Up at Golden Brain Academy
Turn Imagination Into Exceptional Writing
Every child has ideas.
The challenge is knowing how to turn those ideas into engaging, well-structured, confident writing.
Step Write Up helps children in Years 3-7 develop the confidence, creativity and writing skills they need to succeed in school, enjoy writing and flourish as communicators.
For children preparing for grammar school and independent school entrance examinations, these same skills provide a powerful advantage in 11+ English and Creative Writing assessments.
Created and taught by experienced teacher, former Head of English and Golden Brain Academy founder Ali Goulden, Step Write Up combines over 26 years of teaching expertise with a proven framework that helps children transform imagination into exceptional writing.
Whether your child is:
✅ Building confidence in English
✅ Looking to improve their creative writing
✅ Developing stronger storytelling skills
✅ Preparing for SATs
✅ Preparing for the 11+
✅ Working towards grammar school entrance exams
✅ Simply wanting to enjoy writing more
Step Write Up provides a structured, engaging pathway to writing success.
Why do so many children struggle with writing?
“Prior to September, he always said he hated writing but he has now just told me that he wants to be an author!”
Most children don’t lack imagination.
They struggle with knowing what to do with it.
Many children:
- Freeze when faced with a blank page
- Struggle to organise ideas
- Lack confidence in their writing
- Find storytelling difficult
- Use basic vocabulary repeatedly
- Struggle to create atmosphere and emotion
- Lack understanding of the key features of different genres
- Feel anxious when asked to write
I created Step Write Up because I saw too many capable children struggling, not because they lacked ability, but because they had never been taught a clear and effective writing process.
“She is really enjoying learning and developing her writing with you. Your encouragement has made her feel much more confident and enthusiastic.”
Meet the Teacher
Hi, I’m Ali Goulden
Former Wallington Girls’ student.
University of Warwick graduate.
Teacher for 26 years.
Former Head of English.
Full-time 11+ specialist for the past eight years.
My lessons are: Fun, Interactive, Engaging, Confidence Building and Focused on Measurable Progress
Over the years, I’ve helped hundreds of children improve their writing, increase their confidence, attain greater depth in their SATs and gain places at some of the UK’s leading grammar and independent schools
“I don’t have enough superlatives for how amazing Ali is! The confidence she instilled in my daughter was amazing.”
“ I just wanted to share that she received star of the week today for academic progress in writing.
She has grown so confident in her work. This is all down to you. With tears thank you so much for your teaching I am deeply grateful.
Thank you.”
“Thank you for the time you take in continuously developing your amazing resources. I’m appreciative of the time you have invested in these, as the combined impact with your excellent teaching skills is very visible in my child’s writing journey.”
Great Writing Isn’t A Gift
Why Step Write Up Is Different
Most writing tuition focuses on correcting mistakes.
Step Write Up focuses on developing confident, capable writers.
Many tutors teach children what to write.
Step Write Up teaches children how successful writers think.
Writing isn’t something children either have or don’t have.
Like reading, maths or sport, writing improves through effective teaching, practice and encouragement.
At Step Write Up, every child is given the tools they need to succeed.
After reviewing hundreds of successful pieces of writing, one thing has become clear:
The highest-scoring writers are rarely those with the biggest vocabularies.
They are the children who understand how to control: Structure, Pace, Tension, Atmosphere, Emotion, Audience, Purpose and Impact.
The Step Write Up Framework
Outstanding writing doesn’t happen by accident.
Children need a clear process they can trust.
That’s why every lesson follows the Step Write Up Framework
This framework is used across:
- Narrative Writing
- Persuasive Writing
- Recount Writing
- Discussion & Debate Writing
- Picture Stimulus Writing
Rather than relying on inspiration, children develop a toolkit they can use throughout primary school, secondary school and beyond.
Children explore the genre, analyse model examples, identify key features and build the foundations of successful writing.
Children learn to:
- Understand what makes writing effective
- Recognise successful techniques
- Generate and organise ideas
- Build confidence from the very beginning
Children develop and refine their skills through guided practice, discussion and detailed feedback.
Children learn to:
- Strengthen structure and organisation
- Improve vocabulary naturally
- Create atmosphere and tension
- Develop independence as writers
Children master advanced techniques that elevate their writing and make it memorable.
Children learn to:
- Craft powerful openings and endings
- Control pace for maximum impact
- Build authentic emotion
- Adapt writing for different audiences and purposes
Preparing for Writing Success, Including the 11+
Many families join Step Write Up because they want their child to become a stronger writer.
Others join because they are preparing for the 11+.
The reality is that both goals require the same foundations:
- Strong structure
- Clear organisation
- Engaging language
- Effective vocabulary
- Audience awareness
- Purpose
- Atmosphere
- Creativity
These are exactly the skills children develop through Step Write Up.
As one parent shared following the Tiffins School examination:
“She told me that she applied everything you taught her in the exams and I’m sure that was crucial in her final, successful result.”
The skills that create great writers are the same skills that help children succeed in competitive entrance examinations.
A Glimpse at the Transformation
Before
The girl walked through the woods. It was dark and scary.
After
Twisted branches clawed at the sky as the girl edged deeper into the shadows, every crack of a twig making her heart race.
The Difference?
Children don’t make progress through inspiration alone.
They make progress when they learn specific techniques and understand how effective writing works.
Building Confidence Alongside Skill
My goal is not simply to improve writing.
My goal is to help children approach writing with confidence, enthusiasm and pride.
“He’s really enjoying his lessons so I’m really pleased. You have such a brilliant way with them and manage to keep them so engaged.”
“Honestly, Shailen always tells everyone that Ali taught and helped me the most over the last two years.
What your child receives
Every 55-minute Step Write Up lesson (£25) includes:
✅ Live interactive lesson
✅ Comprehensive lesson resources
✅ High-quality model examples
✅ Vocabulary support
✅ Activities and writing challenges
✅ Homework task
✅ Lesson recording
✅ Lesson report
✅ Detailed marking
✅ Personalised feedback
Every child receives clear guidance on:
- What they have done well
- What they need to improve
- How they can improve further
A Proven Track Record
While Step Write Up is designed for all children in Years 3-7, many families also choose the programme as part of their 11+ preparation.
Students have successfully gained places at schools including: Wilson’s School, Wallington High School for Girls, Wallington County Grammar School, Nonsuch High School, Tiffin School, Newstead Wood, St Olave’s, Reigate Grammar, Skinners, Whitgift, Sevenoaks, City of London School, Brighton College, Trinity School, Caterham School, Dubai College… and many more.
“I would recommend you anytime. You have done so much for Leon. He writes how I would never imagine it was possible. Thank you for being enthusiastic, professional and fun!”
“ Ali has been fantastic with my Year 5 son. They share an excellent connection, and each week he’s eager for their sessions. His progress in creative writing has been outstanding. If you’re looking for someone who is engaging, exciting, and focused on growth, I wholeheartedly suggest Ali. I’m planning to have my daughter start with her when she reaches Year 4 or 5.”
“ Just a quick update, S has had Caterham and Whitgift assessments and both went well. He had his Whitgift interview today and they told us he’d come in the top 5% of applicants and scored highly across the board. He was always good at Maths but to know he did well all round is due to your English sessions, so thank you.”
“E has been given a place at Reigate Grammar with an academic scholarship! She will be over the moon when she finds out. She has become such a confident person and is doing so well at school. Thank you for all your help and enthusiasm. She has improved so much.”
“I just wanted to send a big thank you to you for tutoring Harry for his entrance exams. We have received offers today from both Caterham and Trinity.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child need to be a strong writer already?
No. Step Write Up is designed for children at all levels.
Is Step Write Up only for 11+ preparation?
No. It is a writing development programme for children in Years 3-7. Many families use it as part of their 11+ preparation, but its primary purpose is developing confident, capable writers.
Can Step Write Up help with 11+ Creative Writing?
Absolutely. The structure, techniques and confidence developed through the programme directly support success in grammar school and independent school entrance examinations.
Does my child receive individual feedback?
Yes. Every child receives detailed personalised feedback on every piece they write, every week.
How do online lessons work?
Step Write Up’s online lessons are highly interactive and designed to keep children actively involved from start to finish.
Using innovative learning platforms such as Nearpod, students don’t simply sit and watch. They participate in quizzes, collaborative activities, writing tasks and live discussions throughout the lesson. I can monitor each child’s screen in real time, check understanding instantly and provide immediate feedback and support when needed.
This interactive approach helps maintain engagement, encourages participation from every child and creates a dynamic learning environment where students feel confident contributing and sharing their ideas. Many parents are pleasantly surprised by how much their children enjoy learning online and how quickly they become active participants.
Your Child’s Story Starts Here
Imagine your child approaching every writing task with confidence.
Imagine them knowing how to structure their ideas.
Imagine them enjoying writing rather than worrying about it.
Whether your child is a reluctant writer, a budding author or preparing for future 11+ challenges, Step Write Up provides the confidence, skills and support they need to succeed.
Timetable
| From Sept 2026 | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.45pm | Years 3 and 4 | Year 4 Advanced | ||
| 6.45pm | Years 5-7 | Years 5-7 | Years 5-7 | Years 5-7 |
Resources
Children receive bespoke and extensive lesson resources for EVERY lesson (included in the price) but you can also purchase Stanley’s Guides which give students all the key information they need for each genre. This includes the key features, a model example, helpful vocab and much more! Click the link to purchase – just £5 per pack.
