Tricky Words
Learn to spell. 100% free.
Free · Designed for iPad. Not verified for macOS.
Learn to spell tricky words. 100% free. Made by parents.
Tricky Words turns the UK government's official spelling lists into a science-backed practice routine that actually works - no fuss, no forgotten worksheets, no repeating yourself. This app replaces all your flashcards with a clever digital system on your phone. It asks the right words at the right time to ensure optimal learning and speed.
OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT WORD LISTS, BUILT IN
The National Curriculum specifies exactly which High Frequency Words (HFW) and Common Exception Words (CEW) every child must master from Reception through Year 6. We've built all of them in - over 650 words, organised by year and difficulty. When your child's school sends home a custom list, simply snap a photo, and the app automatically imports it alongside the built-in words.
SMARTER PRACTICE WITH BUCKETS
We use a proven spaced-repetition system to move words from short-term memory into long-term mastery - the exact same principle used in medical and language training worldwide. Words practised correctly move up through four levels. Mistakes reset a word to the beginning, ensuring it gets the extra attention it needs. The app handles all the scheduling, so you never have to think about which word to test next.
REPEAT LIST
When a word trips your child up, it goes on the Repeat List and comes back every few words - exactly when it needs reinforcing. Words stay on the list until they're answered correctly, and you can always see what's coming next.
TAILORED TO YOUR CHILD
Multi-child support means each child has their own library, progress tracker, and word selection. You choose exactly which school years and difficulty levels to include. Mark a word as "Mastered", and it disappears from practice for good.
TWO-PHONE MODE
If you'd rather not show your child the screen, pair two phones over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. You control the session on your device while your child sees only a clean display, complete with a fanfare when they get it right.
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UI improvements
The developer, Moritz Schmittat, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .
Data Not Collected
The developer does not collect any data from this app.
Accessibility
The developer has not yet indicated which accessibility features this app supports. Learn More
Information
- Seller
- Moritz Schmittat
- Size
- 54.6 MB
- Category
- Education
- Compatibility
Requires iOS 17.6 or later.
- iPhone
Requires iOS 17.6 or later. - iPad
Requires iPadOS 17.6 or later. - Mac
Requires macOS 14.6 or later and a Mac with Apple M1 chip or later.
- iPhone
- Languages
- English
- Age Rating
4+
- 4+
- Made for Ages 6–8
- Contains
User-Generated Content
- Copyright
- © Moritz Schmittat