The Times Spelling Bee 2011 is open to full-time pupils who turn 12 years old between September 1, 2010, and August 31, 2011. Schools in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are welcome to participate. Schools are invited to enter the competition and put forward a team of three pupils (plus a reserve) identified as the best spellers to compete with other schools.
The Championship starts in March 2011 when schools go head to head in live local spelling heats. The winning teams will then progress to the Semi-Finals, which will take place in May. The climax will be the Grand Final, which will be held in London in June 2011. This will be a high-profile event featured in The Times newspaper and on Times Online.
The Times is a committed supporter of standards of English and the aim of the Championship is to make spelling fun and to help teachers to raise the profile of spelling and develop the talents of their students.
The Championship provides the chance for students to display their mastery of spelling and to be part of a high-profile nationwide contest with other schools throughout the country.