Dyslexia & School: A Parent’s Guide

What Is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that primarily affects reading, writing, and spelling. It is neurological in origin — the brain processes written language differently — and it is not related to intelligence, effort, or how much a child is read to at home.

The British Dyslexia Association defines dyslexia as “a learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling” and notes that it occurs across the range of intellectual abilities. Dyslexic people often have strengths in visual thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and lateral reasoning — skills that are increasingly valued but rarely measured by school assessments.

Co-occurring conditions

Dyslexia rarely occurs in isolation. Research suggests that 50–60% of dyslexic individuals have at least one co-occurring condition. Recognising these overlaps is important because interventions may need to address multiple areas.

Signs of Dyslexia by Age

No two dyslexic children are the same, but there are common patterns at each stage. If your child shows several of these signs — especially alongside a family history of reading difficulties — it’s worth investigating further.

Getting a Diagnosis

A diagnosis is not technically required for school support — schools must respond to identified need, not labels. But in practice, a formal assessment report opens doors: it specifies the child’s strengths and weaknesses, recommends interventions, and provides the evidence needed for exam access arrangements and, if necessary, an EHCP application.

What the assessment report should include

Support in School

Once dyslexia is identified (or suspected), school should put support in place using the graduated response: assess, plan, do, review. Here’s what good support looks like.

SEN Support register

If your child is identified as having a special educational need, they should be placed on the school’s SEN Support register. This means the SENCo is involved, interventions are planned and tracked, and your child’s progress is formally reviewed at least termly. You should be involved in these reviews. Being on the register does not require a diagnosis — it requires identified need.

Evidence-based interventions

Assistive technology

Technology is a game-changer for dyslexic learners. It doesn’t replace reading instruction, but it removes barriers so children can access the curriculum at a level that matches their intelligence.

When to escalate to an EHCP

Most dyslexic children can be supported at SEN Support level. But if your child has severe dyslexia — perhaps combined with other conditions like ADHD or speech difficulties — and school-level support is not enough, you may need an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). An EHCP is a legal document that specifies the support the local authority must fund and ensure. It can name a specialist school or independent placement.

See our SEND Rights & Processes guide for a full walkthrough of EHCPs, IDPs, and the tribunal system.

Exam Access Arrangements

Dyslexic pupils are entitled to access arrangements in formal exams (GCSEs, A-levels, SATs) to ensure they can demonstrate what they know without being penalised by their reading or writing speed. The school applies via JCQ (Joint Council for Qualifications) using evidence of need.

Choosing a School for a Dyslexic Child

Any school can support a dyslexic child well — and any school can do it badly. What matters is the approach, the training, and the attitude. Here’s what to look for.

Specialist dyslexia schools

For children with severe dyslexia, a specialist independent school may be the best option. Look for schools registered with CReSTeD (Council for the Registration of Schools Teaching Dyslexic Pupils), which inspects and accredits schools offering specialist dyslexia provision. CReSTeD schools range from fully specialist (only dyslexic pupils) to mainstream schools with a specialist dyslexia unit.

Fees at specialist schools can be high (£15,000–£35,000 per year), but if the local authority agrees that a specialist placement is needed, they may fund it through an EHCP. See our SEND & Independent Schools guide for more on how this works.

Questions to ask on school visits

Dyslexia Support Across the UK

Education is devolved, so each UK nation has its own framework for identifying and supporting dyslexic children. The biggest difference: Scotland does not require a formal diagnosis for support, while the other three nations lean more heavily on assessment-based identification.

Your Rights as a Parent

The law is on your side. Dyslexia is recognised as a disability under the Equality Act 2010, which means schools must make reasonable adjustments. Here are the key rights you should know.

Support Organisations

You don’t have to do this alone. These organisations offer assessments, resources, helplines, and advocacy for families affected by dyslexia.

Common Questions