Levels 21, 22 & 23 focus on r-controlled vowels and complex vowel combinations. Children refine pronunciation, improve accuracy, and develop the flexibility needed for fluent reading across subjects.
Levels 21, 22 & 23
Alternative Spelling – Set 6
Levels 21, 22, and 23 focus on advanced alternative spellings, particularly r-controlled vowels and vowel combinations that commonly cause difficulty for learners. At this stage, children refine their ability to recognise spelling patterns, choose correct pronunciations, and read accurately across a wide range of texts. These levels represent the final refinement of phonics knowledge before full independence in reading.
Learning continues to be supported by interactive phonics games on iOS and Android, ensuring systematic practice and consolidation.
Completion of Levels 1A–20, or equivalent phonics and reading knowledge, is recommended.
What Will My Child Learn in Level 21, 22 & 23?
In Levels 21, 22, and 23, children explore complex alternative spellings for vowel and r-controlled sounds.
Alternative Spellings Covered
• or, au, aw, al, ore, ur
• ir, er, ear, or
• ow, ou
Children learn to:
• Recognise and pronounce r-controlled vowel patterns
• Distinguish between similar vowel spellings
• Apply context to select the correct pronunciation
• Decode unfamiliar words with confidence and accuracy
Key Skills Your Child Will Develop
By the end of these levels, your child will be able to:
• Read words with complex vowel and r-controlled spelling patterns fluently
• Adjust pronunciation when reading unfamiliar words
• Improve reading accuracy, fluency, and comprehension
• Strengthen spelling awareness for advanced patterns
These skills support confident reading across all subjects and text types.
Learning Through Games & Practice
All spelling patterns taught in Levels 21, 22, and 23 are reinforced through interactive games and structured activities on iOS and Android.
Children practise by:
• Comparing alternative spellings in words
• Reading words and sentences in context
• Repeating activities that reinforce accuracy and confidence
The guided, game-based approach ensures mastery while keeping children motivated.
Who Is This Level For?
• Children who have completed Levels 1A–20
• Fluent readers refining advanced spelling and pronunciation
• Children preparing for full independence in reading and writing
These levels are ideal for learners completing their phonics journey and transitioning fully into fluent literacy.
Why These Levels Are Important
Levels 21, 22, and 23 address some of the most complex and variable spelling patterns in English. Mastering these patterns equips children with the flexibility and confidence needed to read unfamiliar vocabulary, understand complex texts, and succeed across all areas of learning.
Please note: The pricing plans below apply only to Phase 5 (Levels 21, 22 & 23). Children will learn the following graphemes: or, au, aw, al, ore, ur, ir, er, ear, or, ow, ou, with regular review sessions built in. This phase is typically taught over 15 sessions, each lasting 30–40 minutes: 12 teaching sessions plus 3 dedicated review sessions to support consolidation and confidence.
