Following last year’s incredible success, the St. Barnabas MAT Spelling Bee returned in 2025 – bigger, bolder, and even more spellbinding. With learners and teachers across fourteen schools more engaged than ever, the collaboration between Spellzone and St. Barnabas Multi-Academy Trust strengthened spelling skills and sparked excitement across Cornwall.
This year’s Spelling Bee was led by Jess Harvey, KS1 Improvement Lead at St. Barnabas MAT. Over the last year, schools within the trust have embedded Spellzone more deeply into their everyday teaching, making it a key part of their spelling curriculum and recovery strategies.
"This year, we saw even more children grow in confidence and enjoy spelling. The buzz around Spellzone hasn’t faded – if anything, it’s grown!"
Jess Harvey, KS1 Improvement Lead, St. Barnabas MAT, April 2025
The bespoke leaderboard and weekly class competitions have become part of school life, creating a healthy sense of rivalry and encouraging children to practise spelling both in and out of the classroom.
For the second year running, the St. Barnabas MAT Spelling Bee was held entirely online with Spellzone’s multiplayer game feature allowing pupils to connect and compete live from their classrooms across the county. The event was structured into Key Stage 1, Lower Key Stage 2, and Upper Key Stage 2 competitions, with each round drawing impressive performances.
"Spellzone helped me practise so much. I was ready and I even enjoyed the tricky words!"
Year 4 finalist
"I couldn’t believe it when I won the class heat – my teacher was so proud!"
Year 2 participant
"I love seeing our school move up the leaderboard every week. It makes me want to practise more."
Year 5 participant
As well as improved spelling outcomes, teachers across the trust continue to report a noticeable change in pupils’ motivation and confidence.
"Spellzone has become a key part of how we teach spelling now. It’s inclusive, engaging, and flexible for all our learners. The annual Spelling Bee is the cherry on top!"
KS2 teacher, St. Barnabas MAT
"Once again, Barry and the Spellzone team have been amazing. Their support, responsiveness, and energy make this collaboration such a success."
Jess Harvey, KS1 Improvement Lead, St. Barnabas MAT
With another year of growth, enthusiasm, and achievement behind them, St. Barnabas MAT is already planning next year’s competition – this time with a focus on using Spellzone at home. The 2025 Spelling Bee proved that children thrive when learning spelling is purposeful, collaborative, and fun.
May 2025
"Spellzone fits in beautifully with our Scope and Sequence of Phonological Awareness and Spelling. It also aligns perfectly with the four areas of spelling knowledge and uses the Brain, Ears, Eyes approach to learning spelling."
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