For students and young adults · Ages 16 to 25
Dyslexia assessments for college, university and work
Working twice as hard as everyone else to get the same result? Let’s find out why.
A diagnostic assessment explains how you learn, gives you clear evidence of what helps, and can open the door to support at college, university and work.
Does this sound like you?
Dyslexia in older students and young adults rarely looks like the classic picture of a child who can’t read. It’s often hidden behind hard work and clever workarounds.
- You can read, but it’s slow and tiring, and you often reread the same paragraph
- You know the answer, but run out of time in exams or tests
- Your spoken ideas are miles ahead of what ends up on paper
- Emails, essays and reports take far longer than they should
- Taking notes while listening in lectures or meetings feels impossible
- Long instructions, deadlines and tasks are hard to keep track of
None of these on their own means you’re dyslexic. But if several feel familiar, and they’ve been there since school, it’s worth finding out.
What a diagnosis can open up
Your report gives clear, professional evidence of how dyslexia affects you and what helps. Here’s where it can make a difference.
SIXTH FORM AND COLLEGE
Understanding, and support in place
A report helps your college understand how you learn and what support works for you. Exam arrangements, such as extra time, are decided by your school or college through their own process, so share your report with their support team early.
UNIVERSITY
Disabled Students’ Allowance
DSA can fund specialist software, equipment and study support. You don’t pay it back, and it’s based on your needs, not household income. To apply on the grounds of dyslexia, you need a diagnostic assessment from a suitably qualified specialist teacher or psychologist. My APC means my reports meet that requirement.
APPRENTICESHIPS AND WORK
Explaining what you need, with confidence
Employers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments, and the government’s Access to Work scheme can fund tools and support. You don’t need a diagnosis to ask, but a clear report makes it far easier to explain what helps. It’s your choice who you share it with.
For full details and eligibility, see Disabled Students’ Allowance and Access to Work on GOV.UK.
What the assessment is like
If you haven’t done anything like this since school, it’s natural to feel a bit unsure. Here’s what to expect.
- It’s not an exam you can fail. The tasks look at reading, writing, spelling, memory and how quickly you process information. There are no right or wrong outcomes, just a clearer picture of you.
- It’s one-to-one and relaxed. 2–4 hours in a calm, private room in Leigh-on-Sea, with plenty of breaks.
- It fits around your week. Daytime appointments, or evenings and weekends if you’re in work.
- You get a full written report within 3–4 weeks, explaining whether you’re dyslexic, your strengths, and practical recommendations for study and work. If you’d like to talk it through, you can request a 20-minute follow-up call.
Is it worth it?
An assessment is a real cost, so here’s an honest way to think about it.
PRICE
£600
Includes the full report, plus a 20-minute follow-up call if you’d like one. A £150 deposit secures your booking.
IT LASTS
A report you keep for life
Recommendations you can take into college, university and work.
ASK FIRST
Help with the cost
Some universities can help students with the cost of an assessment. Ask their student support team before you book.
Common questions
I’m 17. Can I book, or does a parent need to?
Under 18s are booked by a parent or carer, and you’re very welcome to get in touch together. If you’re 18 or over, a parent can still book and pay for you, but you give your own consent and decide who sees your report.
I was assessed at school. Do I need a new report?
Not always. Check with Student Finance or your university whether your existing report meets their current requirements before booking a new one.
Who sees my report?
Your report is yours. You decide who to share it with, whether that’s your college, university or employer.
How soon should I book?
If you’re planning around exams or starting university, get in touch as early as you can. Spaces fill up, especially in the run-up to exams and university deadlines.
Ready to find out?
Fill in this short form and I’ll get back to you to talk through whether an assessment makes sense for you. There’s no obligation to book. Prefer email? rosie@dyslexiadiscovery.org
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