Dyslexia Assessments in Barnsley
Barnsley is a proud South Yorkshire town with a strong community identity and a growing network of families, schools, and young people across the borough. Whether you are a parent whose child has been struggling at school, an adult who has long suspected dyslexia might explain their experiences, or a student at Barnsley College preparing a DSA application, Defining Dyslexia offers specialist assessments that give you something clear and concrete to work with.
Many families across Barnsley, Penistone, Wombwell, Hoyland, Cudworth, and surrounding areas contact Defining Dyslexia after long waits for support or concerns raised by school. Many people search for a "dyslexia test" in Barnsley when what they need is a full diagnostic assessment, and that is exactly what Defining Dyslexia provides.
What You Can Expect from a Defining Dyslexia Assessment?
Every assessment is built around you. Here is what makes Defining Dyslexia the right choice for families and individuals across Barnsley
WHO IT IS FOR?
Assessments are available for primary and secondary school children, adults, and university students. Whether you are seeking clarity after years of uncertainty, preparing for exam access arrangements, or applying for Disabled Students' Allowance, Defining Dyslexia can support you through the process.
WHAT THE ASSESSMENT INVOLVES?
A Defining Dyslexia assessment is a detailed, one-to-one evaluation covering reading, spelling, writing speed, phonological processing, and memory. It is designed to build a clear picture of how you or your child thinks, learns, and processes information. Most assessments take around two to three hours, and shorter split sessions are available where needed. Every assessment concludes with a written report that can be used to support school provision, exam access arrangements, or a university DSA application.
WHY CHOOSE DEFINING DYSLEXIA?
Defining Dyslexia is an independent specialist assessment practice registered with PATOSS, the British Dyslexia Association, and the Dyslexia Guild. Assessments are carried out to the standards set by SASC, the body that governs SpLD assessment quality across the UK. Working independently means the focus is entirely on you or your child, with no waiting lists tied to institutional processes.
Barnsley College has its own Disability and Dyslexia Service for enrolled students, but students who need a formal diagnostic assessment for DSA applications or exam access arrangements will require an independent specialist assessment. Defining Dyslexia provides SASC-compliant reports accepted by Barnsley College, universities across the UK, and other institutions, with remote assessments available to fit around your studies.
How much does an
assessment cost?
A full dyslexia assessment with Defining Dyslexia costs £495. This includes the assessment session and a comprehensive written report with practical recommendations. There are no hidden costs and no additional charges.
Assessments can be carried out in your home, at your child's school, or at a suitable venue local to you. Where a venue needs to be booked, a small additional fee may apply. This will always be discussed and agreed with you before anything is confirmed.
For adult assessments that include screening for co-occurring conditions such as ADHD or dyspraxia, a small additional fee also applies. This will be discussed with you at enquiry stage.
If you would like to talk through costs before booking, you are very welcome to get in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions from Barnsley clients
Can the assessment take place at my child's school or a local venue in Barnsley?
Yes. Face-to-face assessments can be carried out at your child's school or at a suitable local venue across Barnsley and the surrounding South Yorkshire area. Home visits are also available where preferred. Where a venue needs to be arranged, this will always be discussed and agreed with you in advance.
01
Barnsley recommends a Quality First Teaching approach before seeking a formal assessment. Should I wait?
Quality First Teaching is always a valuable starting point and Barnsley's approach to supporting children through good classroom practice first is sound. However, if you have been waiting for some time, if concerns have persisted despite support, or if your gut feeling as a parent tells you something more significant is going on, a formal diagnostic assessment can provide the clarity that teaching interventions alone cannot. There is no obligation to wait, and an initial conversation with Defining Dyslexia costs nothing.
02
My child's school in Barnsley has raised concerns but cannot carry out a formal assessment. What are my options?
This is a very common situation. Schools play an important role in identifying concerns and putting early support in place, but a formal diagnostic assessment requires a qualified specialist assessor. Defining Dyslexia can provide a full PATOSS-registered diagnostic assessment that gives you and your child's school a clear picture of their needs, alongside practical recommendations that can be implemented straight away.
03
Do you offer dyslexia screening in Barnsley as well as full assessments?
Defining Dyslexia specialises in full diagnostic assessments rather than screening tools. A screening can indicate whether dyslexia traits are present but cannot provide a diagnosis, recommendations, or a report accepted by schools, universities, or employers. If you are unsure whether a full assessment is the right step, get in touch and we are happy to have an initial conversation at no obligation.
04
Can I use the report to support a Barnsley SEND referral or EHCP application?
Yes. A Defining Dyslexia report provides valuable evidence that can support SEND referrals, EHCP applications, and requests for additional provision within the Barnsley local authority process. Reports are also accepted by schools for in-class support and exam access arrangements, and by employers seeking evidence for workplace adjustments. Mark is happy to talk through how best to use the report for your specific situation.
05
How quickly can I get an appointment in Barnsley?
Defining Dyslexia offers a genuinely personal, bespoke service with waiting times of under two months at all times, and often considerably quicker. Remote assessments can frequently be arranged faster than face-to-face. Get in touch to discuss current availability.
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About Your Assessor
Every Defining Dyslexia assessment is carried out by Mark, a PATOSS-registered specialist assessor with fifteen years of experience supporting children, young people, and adults with dyslexia and other learning differences. Mark holds an APC and works to the standards set by SASC, the body that governs SpLD assessment quality across the UK. Mark's background as a former SENCo means he understands the school system from the inside, and brings that knowledge to every assessment and report he writes.
Dyslexia Assessments and Local Support in Barnsley
Useful Local Information
- Barnsley SENDIASS – free, impartial SEND advice PO Box 634, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 9GG Tel: 01226 787234 (option 1) | sendiass@barnsley.gov.uk or www.barnsley.gov.uk/barnsley-sendiass
- Barnsley Local Offer – local SEND services and provision fsd.barnsley.gov.uk/localoffer
- Yorkshire Rose Dyslexia – directory of SpLD assessors and specialists across Yorkshire: yorkshirerosedyslexia.org.uk
E-mail: Mark:@definingdyslexia.org
We operate virtually across the UK, providing accessible support wherever you are. For in-person appointments, we serve Sheffield, Peterborough, and the surrounding area. Contact us to learn more!