The British Spelling Test Series (BSTS2), the second edition of GL Assessment’s highly regarded and widely used spelling test series, assesses spelling at word, sentence and continuous writing level, and contains a wide mix of questions and tasks that test pupils’ ability to spell in different contexts – an element that is unique to this series. The group test contains a mix of tasks some of which require pupils to draw on their own vocabulary and is straightforward to administer and score.

The series contains four tests, each with two equivalent forms that cover a range of year groups (see table below for details). Each test has a Teacher Guide explaining how to administer, mark and score the test, as well as how to use conversion tables to obtain standardised scores and spelling ages. Guidance is also given on assessing the severity of the spelling problems of pupils who perform poorly on the test. Each test has been carefully tailored to the age of the pupils and comprises an extended range of tasks that assess spelling based on classroom and teaching activities.

Why use BSTS2?

• BSTS2 provides teachers with an engaging and rigorous way of monitoring their pupils’ progress and highlighting those for whom spelling is especially difficult
• Fully standardised in 2008 – BSTS2 produces Standard Age Scores, age equivalent scores and percentile ranks
• It is ideal for year on year screening and monitoring and for testing at key transition points, including the transition from primary to secondary school
• Full colour illustrations for BSTS2 AB and CD make the tests very attractive and engaging to younger learners
• The test has been developed by experts in literacy who are seasoned test developers, so you can be assured the new material assesses spelling in an engaging and relevant way

A quick guide to BSTS2 Levels

*Recommended for use in the second half of the school year
**Recommended for use in the first half of the school year