Spelling words by age
Spelling words by age are a starting point: in England, Year 1 usually covers ages 5–6 and Year 6 ages 10–11. Match the table to your child's school year and current learning, then try ten words from a named list free.
Practise Year 1 words freeTen words, read aloud. No name, sign-up or payment needed. Choose another year below.
Published and updated .
Find your child's year and a useful list
The GOV.UK national curriculum overview gives these usual ages for England. Children have birthdays during the school year, so adjacent rows share an age at their boundary. Reception is usually ages 4–5; start with the Reception phonics guide and the school's current sounds.
| Usual age | Year guide | Useful focus | Free ten-word round |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5–6 | Year 1 spelling words | Phonics and common exception words: said, friend. | Practise Year 1 words free |
| 6–7 | Year 2 spelling words | More spelling patterns and exception words: door, people. | Practise Year 2 words free |
| 7–8 | Year 3 spelling words | Begin the shared Years 3–4 list; try the guide's starter sample. | Practise Year 3 words free |
| 8–9 | Year 4 spelling words | Continue the shared list; revisit words with the review sample. | Practise Year 4 words free |
| 9–10 | Year 5 spelling words | Build familiarity with the shared Years 5–6 statutory list. | Practise Year 5 words free |
| 10–11 | Year 6 spelling words | Consolidate the shared list and use spellings in writing. | Practise Year 6 words free |
The Year 1 and Year 2 rounds use the common exception examples. Year 3 uses the guide's 20-word starter sample and Year 4 its 20-word review sample. Years 5 and 6 both draw from their shared statutory list. Each round selects ten words; schools choose the sequence across each two-year curriculum block.
Choose by current learning as well as age
If you want spelling words for 7-year-olds, first check whether your child is in Year 2 or Year 3. The same applies to spelling words for 8-year-olds, 9-year-olds and 10-year-olds: a birthday alone does not identify the current school year. Ask which patterns and words the class is working on this week.
Age also gives only part of the learning picture. A child may know a word when speaking but need help spelling it, or may meet an English word for the first time. Say it in a sentence and check its meaning before asking for a written attempt. Start with a few familiar examples and add a challenge when those feel comfortable.
The DfE spelling appendix combines patterns with word examples. In Year 2, compare pat → patting and copy → copied. Older children explore prefixes, suffixes and word families as well as statutory words. Revisiting an earlier pattern can support the next step; a free round is practice rather than a spelling-age assessment.
Use the table across school systems
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own curricula and school arrangements. International grade numbers can also differ from England's year numbers. Ask the school about placement and the spelling programme rather than converting a grade by its number alone.
For families in Japan or moving between countries, an international school may follow a British curriculum or another programme. Confirm its calendar and the words taught so far. A child learning English can begin with words they understand, then build sound–letter knowledge alongside vocabulary. The international-school spelling guide offers more context.
If homework says “tricky words”, use our tricky words guide to understand the term. For a relaxed paper routine, try look, say, cover, write, check, discuss one useful spelling feature and revisit it another day.
Want your child's own school words, hints and saved progress? Family Pass is £9 for 12 months for up to five children, with no automatic renewal.
Questions about ages and spelling
Which spelling words suit a 7-year-old?
A 7-year-old may be in Year 2 or Year 3 in England, depending on their birthday and the point in the school year. Year 2 usually covers ages 6–7 and Year 3 ages 7–8. Use the child's school year and current teaching to choose words.
What are the usual ages for Years 1–6 in England?
Year 1 is usually ages 5–6, Year 2 6–7, Year 3 7–8, Year 4 8–9, Year 5 9–10 and Year 6 10–11. Reception is usually ages 4–5. Individual placement can differ.
Does this table match Scottish, Welsh or international grades?
The table uses England's usual year groups. Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and international schools have their own curricula, labels or entry arrangements. Ask the school which spelling programme and year placement your child follows.
Can we choose easier practice words?
Yes. Start with familiar spoken words and patterns your child has been taught, even if they come from an earlier year guide. The free links offer ten words from named public lists, with no name, sign-up or payment needed. A practice round does not measure spelling age.
Clear annual pricing
Start free. Pay only when the family extras help.
A child can practise ten built-in words without entering their name, making an account or paying. Family Pass is the optional complete home product.
Basic practice
FREE
No child name or account needed
- Ten-word curriculum practice
- Hear each word in a sentence
- Clear correction and another try
Complete home tools
£9
per family per year
- Up to five child profiles
- Buddies, hints and private progress
- Parent-entered home lists, SATs papers and cross-device sync
- Paper spelling tests and family duels
12 months. No automatic renewal.
