StarSpell
StarSpell is a spelling, phonics, and literacy program for home and school use, available on Android, iOS, macOS, web, and Windows.
What StarSpell is
StarSpell is a spelling, phonics, and literacy program for home and school use, available on Android, iOS, macOS, web, and Windows. Its spelling practice follows Look-Cover-Write-Check, pairing spoken sound with pictures and a supporting sentence. The main lists contain more than 5,000 spoken words arranged by phonic progression. Early learners can use a separate phonics section, and curriculum lists support or extend the National Curriculum in England. Learners can add their own words and lists. Teachers can use a free classroom mode to set the pace on a large screen or whiteboard, print worksheets, and create assignments in Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, or Satchel One Show My Homework. The web app supports single sign-on through Google Classroom or Microsoft. An internet connection is required, although some features are available offline. The preview period is free, after which a subscription is required. The Student plan costs £12 a year, billed as a 12 month licence. Classroom and school plans are also listed.
Good
- More than 5,000 spoken spelling words
- Learners can add their own word lists
- Free teacher mode for classroom use
- Supports Google Classroom and Microsoft Teams assignments
Watch out
- Requires an internet connection to use
- Subscription required after the preview period
- Student plan costs £12 a year
Who it suits
StarSpell suits learners practicing spelling and phonics at home or school, as well as teachers running group or whiteboard activities. It is described as suitable for all ages, including learners with dyslexia and special educational needs.
Verdict
StarSpell combines structured spelling practice, phonics resources, and classroom tools across several platforms. Consider its subscription requirement and internet connection requirement when choosing it.
Plans and prices
From StarSpell's own pricing page, checked 9 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Student | £12 a year | For one student to use at home or in school · Cloud-based · 12 month licence |
| Additional Classroom | £25 a year | Each additional class of up to 36 students · Requires StarSpell Classroom · Cloud-based · 12 month licence, Excludes VAT |
| Classroom | £30 a year | For a single class of up to 36 students · Cloud-based · 12 month licence, Excludes VAT |
| School | £150 a year | For the whole school · Cloud-based · 12 month licence, Excludes VAT |
The facts
Each one read from StarSpell's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Accessibility
- The maker describes StarSpell as suitable for learners with dyslexia and special educational needs, and says it does not compare student performance with others.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Connectivity
- An internet connection is needed to use the app, although the maker says some features are available offline.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Custom lists
- Users can add their own words and lists for spelling practice.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Teachers can create assignments in Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams and Satchel One Show My Homework.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The maker describes StarSpell as suitable for all ages and for individual use, one-on-one work, classroom groups and interactive whiteboards.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Phonics and curriculum
- It includes a phonics section for early learners and lists supporting and extending the National Curriculum in England.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Preview period
- There is no charge during the preview period, and a subscription is required to continue after it ends.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- StarSpell is a multi-sensory program for spelling, phonics and literacy, for use at school and at home.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Sign-in
- The web app supports single sign-on and requires Google Classroom or Microsoft sign-in.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Spelling practice
- Its spelling mode uses Look-Cover-Write-Check with sound, pictures and a supporting sentence.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Teacher mode
- Teacher mode is free for classroom use and lets teachers set the pace on a large screen or whiteboard.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Word lists
- The main spelling lists contain more than 5,000 words, which are spoken and organized according to a phonic progression.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Worksheets
- Teachers can print spelling worksheets for exercises, including exercises they create themselves.checked 9 Oct 2026
The company
- Maker history
- Fisher-Marriott Software says it was started by two teachers and that StarSpell has been used in over 16,000 schools.checked 9 Oct 2026
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