Finding the right tutor for a child with dyslexia is different from finding a standard academic tutor. The skills involved — understanding how dyslexia affects reading, spelling and processing speed, and knowing how to work with it rather than around it — require specific training and experience. A good dyslexia tutor can transform a child's confidence and academic progress in a way that classroom teaching rarely achieves.
What dyslexia tutoring involves
Specialist dyslexia tutors typically use structured, multisensory literacy programmes — approaches that engage visual, auditory and kinaesthetic channels simultaneously to build reading and spelling in a systematic way. The most widely used programmes include:
- Orton-Gillingham (OG) — the foundation approach for most structured literacy programmes. Highly systematic, phonics-based and sequential.
- Toe by Toe — a practical UK programme often used by both specialist tutors and trained parents working alongside a tutor.
- Beat Dyslexia / Alpha to Omega — UK-developed multisensory programmes used in schools and by specialist tutors.
- ARROW (Aural, Read, Respond, Oral, Write) — focuses on self-voice recording and auditory processing, effective for students with strong auditory preferences.
The right programme depends on the child's specific profile — different dyslexic learners have different strengths and weaknesses. A tutor who carries out an initial assessment and chooses an approach accordingly is preferable to one who uses a single method rigidly.
What qualifications should a dyslexia tutor have?
- AMBDA (Associate Member of the British Dyslexia Association) — the standard professional qualification for specialist dyslexia teachers in the UK. This requires specialist teacher training, a practicum period and assessment by the BDA.
- Level 5 or 7 Diploma in Specific Learning Difficulties — post-graduate level specialist training from providers such as Dyslexia Action or Helen Arkell.
- Teaching experience with SpLD pupils — some tutors without formal SpLD qualifications have extensive school-based experience with dyslexic learners. Ask specifically about this.
Should we get an assessment first?
If your child hasn't been formally assessed for dyslexia, a diagnostic assessment by a qualified educational psychologist or specialist teacher assessor is valuable before starting tutoring. The assessment identifies whether dyslexia is present, its specific profile, and any co-occurring difficulties (dyscalculia, dyspraxia, ADHD). This information helps the tutor choose the right programme and pace.
Formal assessments cost £400–£800 from an independent educational psychologist. State schools can sometimes arrange them, but waiting lists are long. A good specialist tutor can often work effectively with a suspected but undiagnosed learner while an assessment is being arranged.
Exam access arrangements
Students with a formal dyslexia assessment may be entitled to extra time, a reader or a scribe in GCSE and A Level exams. These arrangements are applied for through the school and must be supported by evidence from an assessment or specialist teacher. A tutor who understands access arrangements can help ensure that evidence is in place and that the student knows how to use the additional time effectively.
Dyslexia tutor costs
- Specialist dyslexia tutor (AMBDA qualified): £45–£80/hour — higher than general tutors reflecting specialist training
- Experienced SpLD tutor without full qualification: £35–£60/hour
- Online specialist dyslexia tuition: Usually £5–£10 less. Online sessions can work well for older students; for primary-age children, in-person is often preferred
Find a dyslexia tutor
Browse specialist SEND and dyslexia tutors on TutorLab. Filter by qualification and experience with specific learning difficulties.
- Specialist literacy tutors in London
- Online dyslexia tutors (UK-wide)
- Literacy tutors in Manchester
- Literacy tutors in Birmingham
Frequently asked questions
How long does dyslexia tutoring take to show results?
Structured literacy work is slower than standard academic tutoring — expect a minimum of one school term before significant improvements in reading fluency or spelling accuracy are measurable. Confidence and approach to reading often improve faster. Dyslexia tutoring is typically a long-term commitment, not a short-term fix.
Can a standard English tutor help a child with dyslexia?
A standard English tutor can help with essay writing, comprehension and exam technique — but they typically lack the training to address underlying phonological processing and decoding difficulties. For a child whose reading and spelling are significantly affected, a specialist is important.
My child uses a laptop in school. Can a tutor help with assistive technology?
Some specialist tutors are also trained in assistive technology (text-to-speech, speech- to-text, reading support software). Ask prospective tutors whether they can advise on tools like Read&Write, Claro or Dragon as part of the tutoring support.
Can dyslexia tutoring help an adult, not just a child?
Yes — adult dyslexia tutoring is a growing area, particularly for adults who were never formally identified or supported in school and now find that literacy challenges affect their work. Specialist tutors who work with adults focus on practical strategies alongside any literacy skill-building.