How to spell programme
A Year 5 and 6 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
programme
P-R-O-G-R-A-M-M-E
The part to watch: a double m, and an e at the end. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
In British English, a TV show or a list of events is a programme, with a double m and an e. A computer program is spelt program in both British and American English.
Programme is one of the words on the Year 5 and 6 list with a double letter. A consonant is doubled somewhere in the word, and that is the part that goes wrong. Say the word slowly and count the doubles before you write it.
Common mistakes with programme
- Wrong: programeRight: programme
- Wrong: programmRight: programme
A way to remember it
A programme on TV needs a lot of letters: m, m, e at the end.
Programme in syllables
pro · gramme
Programme has 2 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
My favourite programme is on at six o'clock.
Programme on the statutory list
Programme is on the Year 5 and 6 statutory word list in the national curriculum for England. Children are taught these words in Years 5 and 6, when they are 9 to 11.
Test yourself
A short spelling test that starts with programme, then nine more words from the Year 5 and 6 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with a double letter
These words from the Year 5 and 6 list share the same pattern as programme.
More words
Questions parents ask
Is it programme or program?
In British English, a TV show, a concert list or a plan of events is a programme. A computer program is spelt program. Americans use program for all of them.
Spelling is one part of the picture
The free diagnostic checks maths, English and both kinds of reasoning, and shows what to practise next. No card is required.