TapLearn

What are the Year 3/4 and Year 5/6 spelling words?

Quick answer

The national curriculum in England has statutory word lists: about 100 words to learn in Years 3 and 4 (such as 'believe', 'February' and 'separate') and about 100 in Years 5 and 6 (such as 'accommodate', 'necessary' and 'rhythm'). Years 1 and 2 have common exception words such as 'said' and 'because'. Schools spread them over two years.

By the TapLearn team · Updated 30 October 2026 · Facts checked 30 October 2026 · For England

The lists, year by year

  • Years 1 and 2: common exception words. Everyday words that don't follow the usual sounds, such as the, said, was, they, because, people, could and would. Schools often call them tricky words.
  • Years 3 and 4: the Year 3/4 list. About 100 words, including accident, answer, believe, build, business, calendar, centre, different, early, February, grammar, guard, heart, island, knowledge, library, minute, often, perhaps, possession, quarter, separate, strength and woman.
  • Years 5 and 6: the Year 5/6 list. About 100 words, including accommodate, achieve, ancient, available, bargain, conscience, definite, embarrass, environment, familiar, government, immediate, language, marvellous, necessary, neighbour, parliament, queue, recommend, rhythm, sincere, temperature, twelfth and yacht.

Your child's school will usually send home a copy of the full list. It's in English Appendix 1 of the national curriculum.

Why these words?

They're words children use often in their writing, but they can't be spelled by sounding out alone: think of "February", "separate" or "rhythm". In Year 6, spelling is tested in the grammar, punctuation and spelling SATs paper, and spelling these words correctly is part of how teachers assess writing.

How to practise without tears

  • Five at a time. A whole list is overwhelming. Pick five words a week and come back to old ones.
  • Look for the tricky part. In "separate", it's "a rat" in the middle. In "necessary", it's one collar (c) and two sleeves (ss).
  • Say it as it's spelled. "Feb-ru-ary", "Wed-nes-day", "bus-i-ness".
  • Look, say, cover, write, check. Look at the word, say it, cover it, write it, then check and fix it.
  • Spot them. Find the words in books, on signs and in recipes.
  • Use them. A word sticks when your child writes it in a sentence of their own.

Our guide on helping with spelling at home has more ideas, including weekly spelling tests.

Questions parents ask

How many words are on the Year 3/4 spelling list?

About 100. Schools usually spread them across Year 3 and Year 4.

How many words are on the Year 5/6 spelling list?

About 100, usually spread across Year 5 and Year 6.

Are the spelling words tested?

Spelling is tested in the Year 6 grammar, punctuation and spelling paper, which includes 20 spoken words to spell. Teachers also look at spelling when they assess writing.

What are common exception words?

Words in Years 1 and 2 with unusual spellings, such as 'said', 'because' and 'people', that children learn to read and spell by sight.

Sources

Related guides

Written by the TapLearn team for parents and carers in England. Schools teach in different orders and ways, so your child's teacher is always the best person to ask about your child. Spotted something out of date? Please email us at [email protected].