British education system fails dyslexic students.

The British Dyslexia Association released a report in October 2025 to highlight the failings of the British education system for learners with dyslexia. The research surveyed 500 pupils with dyslexia and 490 parents of children with dyslexia. It concluded that many children feel misunderstood, overlooked or singled out in school. This leads to reports of bullying, low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy. Over a third of the people surveyed described support as only ‘fair’ or ‘poor’. More worryingly, the report highlights the inequalities around dyslexia in the education system. Only 43% of those living in low-income families (less than £30 000) have a formal diagnosis, compared to 90% of high-income families (over £100 000).

As a formal diagnosis gives personalised recommendations for support, interventions in place are more likely to be effective. Early identification of dyslexia is crucial for learners to be able to make adequate progress in their literacy skills. According to the BDA report, more than 80% of children leave school without a diagnosis*. It also acts as a stark reminder that learners with dyslexia can often mask their difficulties, which leads to underachievement in school.

The report highlights the inadequacies of the national curriculum and assessment process for learners with dyslexia. Finally, it reveals the lack of knowledge of many classroom teachers about effective practice for dyslexic students. 

"Recommendations from the report call for the Department for Education to:

• Make children with dyslexia a national priority with a clear strategy and dedicated policy lead.

• Ensure early identification and fair access to support with universal assessment and in-classroom screening tools.

• Create ‘dyslexia-friendly’ classrooms with a national standard for Special Educational Needs (SEN) support.

• Widen the curriculum and assessments, including teaching assistive technology and adapting GCSEs to reflect all learners’ skills." (BDA, 2025)

  
  

Click here for access to the full BDA report

“Set up for somebody else” - Young people with dyslexia in the British education system. British Dyslexia Association. October 2025

*All Party Parliamentary Group for Dyslexia and other SPLDs, (2019) Educational cost of dyslexia