Free tool · UK spelling curriculum

Spelling Pattern Explorer

Pick a spelling pattern. Get a curated word list, the rule, and example sentences. For teachers planning spelling lessons and parents helping at home.

Browse by category

Pick a pattern above to see the word list and examples.

About the Spelling Pattern Explorer

The UK National Curriculum (2014) Appendix 1 sets out specific spelling patterns children should learn each year. This tool surfaces them in browsable form: pick a pattern, see the rule, see example words.

Categories covered

Suffixes: -tion, -sion, -cious/-tious, -able/-ible, -ant/-ent, -cial/-tial, -ant/-ant…
Prefixes: un-, dis-, mis-, in-, im-, il-, ir-, re-, sub-, inter-, super-, anti-, auto-…
Tricky patterns: silent letters (k-, w-, gh, b), -ough, -augh, ie/ei…
Plurals & verb endings: -s, -es, -ies, doubling rule, drop-the-e rule…
Homophones: their/there/they're, your/you're, its/it's, hear/here…

How to use

Click a category, then click a pattern. Use the Print button for a clean A4 reference. Click any word to hear it pronounced. Use as the basis of a weekly spelling list, a teaching slide, or homework.