Honest writing on primary spelling
Buyer guides for spelling apps, walkthroughs of the UK National Curriculum, and research-backed teaching tips. No fluff.
Do primary schools still do spelling tests?
Some primary schools still set weekly spelling tests; many have dropped them. What the law actually requires, the one statutory spelling test that remains in Year 6, and what it means for your child at home.
The best spelling apps for kids (UK parent's guide, 2026)
The best spelling app for your child depends on their situation. A parent's guide comparing SpellCast, Spelling Shed, DoodleSpell, Spellzone and Nessy, with who each one suits.
Is dyslexia affecting my child's spelling?
Spelling a word three ways in one paragraph? How dyslexia shows up in spelling, what else it could be, and the steps to get your child the right support — diagnosis or not.
Does spelling still matter in school anymore?
Autocorrect fixes everything, so does spelling still matter? Why it shapes reading, writing and confidence, and what the evidence really says.
The science of spelling: how children actually learn to spell
What cognitive science and reading research tell us about how children learn to spell — orthographic mapping, retrieval practice, spaced repetition, morphology — and what it means for primary teaching.
Looking for a Spelling Shed alternative? Here's what to consider
Why some UK schools are leaving Spelling Shed — pricing, classroom fit, the per-pupil cost question — and what a good alternative looks like.
EdShed alternatives for primary spelling: a teacher's guide
EdShed bundles spelling, phonics, maths, literacy and more. If all you actually want is a great spelling app, here's the case for going specialist.
DoodleSpell vs SpellCast: an honest comparison for primary schools
Two UK spelling apps for primary, side by side. Pricing, voice quality, mobile experience, classroom controls, parental visibility — and where each one wins.
National Curriculum word lists
Free printable spelling lists — every DfE statutory word with example sentences.