Learning isn’t just limited to the classroom in the digital age. There are loads of free educational websites for primary students in the UK that turn studying into an enjoyable, engaging, and accessible experience. Whether your child is brushing up on their math skills, doing reading practice, or learning about science, the websites we’ve included have interactive activities that support the UK National Curriculum. Here’s a list of the best free educational websites everyone in primary education should know about.
1.BBC Bitesize
Website: bbc.co.uk/bitesize
BBC Bitesize is among the UK’s most trusted educational resources. Lessons are available by age group for Key Stages 1 and 2 on a variety of subjects, such as English, Maths, Science, Geography, and History. It has games, quizzes, and short videos to explain complicated topics. It is an excellent resource for homework and revision help.
2.Top marks
Website: topmarks.co.uk
Top marks is a site to bookmark for both teachers and parents! There are literally hundreds of interactive games to play for free for children aged 5-11. From Hit the Button – a math-favorite, to spelling and phonics games, Top marks is a great way for kids to practice important skills in a fun and engaging way.
3.Oxford Owl
Website: oxfordowl.co.uk
Created by Oxford University Press, Oxford Owl offers free eBooks and educational materials for children aged 3-11. It is particularly helpful for new readers as it has a digital library for books that follow the Oxford Reading Tree scheme, which many schools in the UK use. Parents can also find guidance from experts on how to help their children read at home.
4.National Geographic Kids
Website: natgeokids.com/uk
For the child who has an insatiable curiosity, National Geographic Kids combines education with adventure. Children can explore quizzes, fun facts and videos related to wildlife, space and the environment, encouraging critical thinking and a love of science and nature.
5.DK Find Out!
Website: dkfindout.com/uk
This website is created by Dorling Kindersley (DK). It focuses on learning through visual imagery in a really engaging way. You will find a lot of either colourful or black and white diagrams, videos and infographics that help primary age students look at a range of subjects, such as history, computing and the human body, really creatively. It is great for visual learners who like images and interaction.
6.PhonicsPlay
Website: phonicsplay.co.uk
PhonicsPlay provides excellent phonics games and printable worksheets for younger learners developing their reading skills through phonics, specifically matching the Letters and Sounds phases that are used in schools in the UK. A selection of the games are free on this site and are a fantastic resource to use for early literacy learning.
7.NASA Kids’ Club
Website: nasa.gov/kidsclub
For aspiring astronauts, NASA’s Kids’ Club features games, videos, and projects exploring space and science to stimulate curiosity about space exploration as well as develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and STEM concepts.
8.Crickweb
Website: crickweb.co.uk
Crickweb offers more than 250 free interactive resources covering Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, and includes games and quizzes on topics like maths, literacy, and geography. Crickweb is a worthwhile classroom and home learning resource.
9.FunBrain
Website: funbrain.com
Although this resource is based in the US, it has plenty of games that kids can use to help develop skills in logic, mathematics, and reading comprehension. The bright colors and story-based design will keep your primary aged child engaged for hours!
10.BBC Teach
Website: bbc.co.uk/teach
BBC Teach has free educational videos, live lessons and resources that are made for teachers but can equally be helpful for parents to support their child’s learning from home. The lessons cover all subject areas you would find in the UK curriculum.
Conclusion
For UK primary students, these free educational websites will provide a stimulating combination of learning and fun. Ranging from literacy improvement to space exploration, screen time can now become productive time. Parents and teachers can use these sites to reinforce schoolwork and educational experiences will be a pleasure, rather than a chore.