Reading, writing, phonics and spelling resources
Looking for English and literacy resources for home ed? We've gathered a collection of free and paid websites, apps, games and activities to support reading, phonics, spelling, grammar and creative writing. Whether your child is learning to read, developing their writing skills, exploring stories or building confidence with spelling, there are plenty of ways to approach literacy. The collection includes playful activities, structured programmes, resources for children with dyslexia and ideas to encourage reading for pleasure. You can explore different approaches and find what suits your child's interests, abilities and pace.
You can also explore our Mixed Subjects page for more English resources, or browse our Courses & Lessons page for online tuition and structured learning options for older students.
Complete English and literacy resources directory
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Website |
Ages / level |
Description |
|---|---|---|
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Approx. 5–15 |
A gamified literacy platform covering phonics, reading, spelling, grammar, punctuation and comprehension. Uses interactive games, challenges and progress tracking. Subscription-based, with a free trial. |
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Reception–Year 13 |
Interactive English practice covering phonics, reading comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, grammar and writing skills. Includes curriculum-linked exercises, personalised questions and progress tracking. Mainly subscription-based. |
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2–13 |
An interactive reading programme combining phonics, guided lessons, games, books and comprehension activities. Includes Reading Eggs Junior for ages 2–4, Reading Eggs for ages 3–7 and Reading Eggspress for ages 7–13. Subscription-based, with a free trial. |
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4+, including older learners |
A spelling and literacy app using memorable animations, stories and word associations to help children remember tricky spellings. Also covers grammar, punctuation, word origins and language patterns. Free samples and paid access. |
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Early readers, approx. 3–7 |
A colourful phonics and reading game where children create a monster and complete adventures involving letter sounds, blending, word recognition and early reading. Free on computers, with paid mobile app options. |
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6–12 |
A creative writing programme where children invent characters, write stories, complete challenges and practise spelling, grammar and vocabulary. Includes personalised feedback on writing and a moderated online community. Subscription-based, with a free trial. |
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Approx. 5–16+ |
Author interviews, video masterclasses, book extracts, writing challenges and downloadable activities designed to inspire reading and creative writing. Features children's authors and illustrators across different genres and ages. Free access throughout 2026. |
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Primary–adult learners |
Free lesson plans, printable activities, teaching ideas and resources for learning English as an additional language. Covers reading, writing, speaking, listening and vocabulary. Particularly useful for EAL learners and language tutors. |
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Approx. 5–11, KS1–KS2 |
A personalised English learning app covering reading comprehension, spelling, grammar, punctuation and writing. Adapts activities to each child's understanding and includes progress tracking. Subscription-based, with a free trial. |
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Approx. 4–16+, depending on programme |
Structured literacy programmes developed to support children with dyslexia and other literacy difficulties. Includes phonics, reading, spelling, writing and touch-typing resources, using games, videos and multisensory activities. Free resources and paid programmes. |
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Mainly primary, adaptable for older learners |
A free collection of short films, animations and visual storytelling prompts, accompanied by teaching ideas to inspire creative writing, comprehension, discussion and storytelling. |
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KS2–KS3, approx. 7–14 |
Free downloadable literacy workbooks and activities covering English skills for KS2 and KS3 learners. Part of a wider collection of accessible educational resources and distance-learning courses. |
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Children's books, various ages |
Independent children's book reviews, recommendations and themed reading lists, featuring contemporary fiction, classics and lesser-known titles. Particularly useful for finding books beyond the usual bestseller lists and encouraging reading for pleasure. |
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| Approx. 5–12 | Free printable English worksheets covering spelling, grammar, vocabulary and other literacy skills, with fresh questions generated each time and answer keys included. US/Common Core based, but many activities are equally useful for UK home education. | |
| Nestling Quest | Approx. 3–7 | Free EYFS and KS1 literacy activities, including letters and sounds, early reading, picture crosswords and optional practice using published Year 1 Phonics Screening Check words. No sign-up, downloads or adverts within the children’s activities. |
