Spelling begins in Read Write Inc. (RWI) sessions, where children learn to hear the sounds in words and how to spell those sounds. They also learn ‘tricky’ irregular words such as the and was. From Years 1 to 6, pupils follow a structured spelling scheme, with dedicated lessons twice a week.

Research shows that weekly spelling tests alone have little impact on long‑term spelling accuracy. For this reason, our lessons focus on understanding how and why words are spelled the way they are. Our intent is for children to enjoy exploring spelling patterns and the origins of words through games, investigations and the study of root words. This approach helps pupils learn how to spell, rather than simply memorising lists by rote.

Children may also be given the statutory spelling lists for Years 3 to 6 to practise, alongside personalised spellings based on their own common errors.