Dyslexia Assessments in Sheffield
Sheffield is one of the largest cities in England, with a diverse and growing SEND community across the city and surrounding South Yorkshire area. Whether you are a parent whose child has been struggling at school for some time, an adult who has long suspected dyslexia might explain your experiences, or a student at the University of Sheffield or Sheffield Hallam University preparing a DSA application, Defining Dyslexia offers specialist assessments that give you something clear and concrete to work with.
Many families across Sheffield, Stocksbridge, Chesterfield, Bakewell, and surrounding areas contact Defining Dyslexia after long waits for support or concerns raised by school. Many people search for a "dyslexia test" in Sheffield 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 Sheffield.
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.
Sheffield is home to two major universities, the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University, both with large student populations. Students seeking a dyslexia assessment for a DSA application are welcome to get in touch.
Defining Dyslexia provides SASC-compliant reports accepted by both universities and institutions across the UK, 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 Sheffield clients
Can the assessment take place at my home in Sheffield?
Yes. Face-to-face assessments can be carried out at your home or at a suitable local venue (such as local schools) across Sheffield and South Yorkshire. Where a venue needs to be arranged, this will always be discussed and agreed with you in advance.
01
Is the assessment report accepted by Sheffield schools and colleges?
Yes. Every report is written to SASC standards and is accepted by schools, colleges, local authorities, exam boards, and universities across the UK, including within the Sheffield and South Yorkshire area.
02
Do you work with University of Sheffield or Sheffield Hallam students?
Yes. SASC-compliant assessment reports are accepted for DSA applications and exam access arrangements at both Sheffield universities and institutions across the UK.
03
How quickly can I get an appointment in Sheffield?
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.
04
My child's school in Sheffield says they cannot diagnose dyslexia. What should I do?
This is very common. Schools can identify concerns and put support in place, but they cannot carry out a formal diagnostic assessment. A PATOSS-registered specialist assessor like Defining Dyslexia can provide the full diagnostic assessment your child's school is unable to offer, giving you a clear report with practical recommendations that the school can act on immediately.
05
How long does a dyslexia assessment take in Sheffield?
Most assessments take around two to three hours. Split sessions are available where needed, particularly for younger children or those who find longer sessions difficult.
06
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 Sheffield
Useful Local Information
Useful Local Information
- Sheffield SENDIAS – free, impartial SEND advice Floor 1, North Wing, 1 Union Street, Sheffield, S1 2SH Tel: 0114 273 6009 | ssendias@sheffield.gov.uk |
- Sheffield Parent Carer Forum – local parent carer network St Mary's Community Centre, Bramall Lane, Sheffield, S2 4QZ Tel: 0300 321 4721 | enquiries@sheffieldparentcarerforum.org.uk | sheffieldparentcarerforum.org.uk
- Sheffield Local Offer – local SEND services and provision sheffield.gov.uk/localoffer
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!