Year 2 has an optional SPaG test as part of the non-statutory KS1 SATs, most schools use it for teacher assessment rather than a formal pass mark. This page covers every topic Year 2 introduces, building on Year 1.
- Year 2 covers 21 of the 43 SPaG topics, and 12 of them are new this year.
- New topics include apostrophes, commas, adjectives, adverbs and compound sentences.
- There is an optional SPaG paper in the non-statutory KS1 SATs, mostly used for teacher assessment.
- The only compulsory, nationally reported SPaG test is at the end of Year 6.
Every SPaG topic Year 2 covers
Grouped by strand. Tap any topic to open it on the interactive map, with a definition, examples and a practice question.
Vocabulary & Spelling
Verb Forms & Tenses
Practise every topic above, free
The interactive SPaG map has all of Year 2's topics in one place, one practice question each, marked instantly.
Year 2 SPaG FAQ
What SPaG topics does Year 2 cover?+
21 of the 43 total SPaG topics, spread across 6 of the seven strands. 12 of them are typically introduced for the first time in Year 2, building on what earlier years covered.
Is SPaG tested in Year 2?+
Yes, but it is not statutory. Year 2 sits an optional SPaG paper as part of the non-statutory KS1 SATs, and most schools use the result for internal teacher assessment rather than reporting a formal pass mark.
The only compulsory, nationally reported SPaG test is at the end of Year 6.
How should we revise for SPaG at home?+
One topic at a time, not a general read-through. Pick a topic from the map below, read the plain-English definition together, look at the examples, then try the practice question.
A few minutes on one topic beats a long session skimming everything.
Sources
- National curriculum in England: English programmes of study — Department for Education, GOV.UK, see English appendix 2: vocabulary, grammar and punctuation. Year 2's topics on this page are staged against this statutory, year-by-year programme of study.
- Optional key stage 1 tests: 2026 English grammar, punctuation and spelling test materials — Standards and Testing Agency, GOV.UK, confirms the Year 2 GPS test is optional, not statutory.
The Pip team builds Pip, the 11+ and KS2 practice app for children in years three to six. We write these guides from real exam formats and past papers.
