3. May 2026

Can I Get a Dyslexia Assessment Through the Right to Choose?

If you've been looking into getting a dyslexia assessment and have come across the term Right to Choose, you're not alone. It's a question that comes up regularly, and understandably so — particularly for parents who are trying to access support without the cost of a private assessment. This guide explains what the Right to Choose pathway is, how it applies to dyslexia, and what your options are depending on your circumstances.

What is the Right to Choose pathway?

The Right to Choose is an NHS pathway that gives patients in England the right to choose their provider for certain assessments and treatments. It was originally most associated with ADHD and autism assessments, but it does extend to other areas including dyslexia. Under this pathway, a GP can refer a patient to an approved independent provider rather than simply to the local NHS service, which can significantly reduce waiting times.

It's worth noting that Right to Choose is currently available in England only. If you are in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, different arrangements apply and it's worth contacting your GP to discuss what's available locally.

Can my GP refer me for a dyslexia assessment?

This is where many families hit a wall. Going to your GP with dyslexia concerns is a natural first instinct, and it's understandable — GPs are often the first port of call for anything health or development related. However, the reality is that most GPs have limited knowledge of dyslexia and are not in a position to carry out any form of assessment themselves.

What a GP can do is make a referral under the Right to Choose pathway to an approved provider who can carry out a formal assessment. The key is knowing to ask specifically for this, as many GPs are not proactively aware of how the pathway applies to dyslexia and may simply tell you it falls outside their remit.

If your GP is unfamiliar with the Right to Choose pathway in relation to dyslexia, it can help to go to the appointment prepared. Knowing the name of approved providers in your area and being able to reference the pathway by name gives the conversation a much clearer focus.

Who is eligible?

The Right to Choose pathway is available to patients registered with a GP in England. For children, the referral would typically be made by a parent or guardian on the child's behalf. For adults, you can self refer to your GP and request the pathway directly.

It's worth being aware that availability can vary depending on your local area and the approved providers operating near you. Some areas have more options than others, and waiting times even through Right to Choose can vary significantly.

What are the advantages of the Right to Choose pathway?

The primary advantage is cost. A private dyslexia assessment typically costs between £400 and £600, which represents a significant outlay for many families. The Right to Choose pathway allows you to access a formal assessment through an approved provider without that cost, as it is funded through NHS commissioning.

Additionally the assessment produced through this route should meet the same standards as a privately funded assessment, meaning the resulting report can be used for school support, exam access arrangements, DSA applications, and workplace reasonable adjustment requests in exactly the same way.

What if the Right to Choose pathway isn't available or suitable?

If your GP is unable or unwilling to make a Right to Choose referral, or if you want a faster or more flexible route, an independent private assessment remains the most straightforward option. A PATOSS-registered or BDA-accredited assessor can carry out a formal assessment without any GP referral needed, and the resulting report carries exactly the same weight.

It's also worth checking whether your local authority funds assessments in certain circumstances, and for children whether the school's SENCo can provide any guidance on locally available routes.

A note on the GP visit

If you do visit your GP to discuss dyslexia concerns, it's worth going prepared. GPs often have very limited time and may not be immediately familiar with what dyslexia assessment involves or how the Right to Choose pathway applies. Going in with a clear and concise summary of your concerns, a note of the pathway by name, and if possible the names of approved providers in your area will give the appointment the best chance of resulting in a useful outcome.

It's also worth being patient but persistent. If the first GP you speak to isn't helpful, it's entirely reasonable to ask to speak to another or to put your request in writing.

How Defining Dyslexia can help

At Defining Dyslexia, we carry out formal SpLD assessments for children, young people, and adults. Whether you are coming to us privately or exploring the Right to Choose pathway, we are happy to discuss your options and help you understand the best route for your circumstances.

All assessments are carried out by a PATOSS-registered specialist assessor with fifteen years of experience, and our reports meet the requirements for school support, exam access arrangements, DSA applications, and workplace reasonable adjustment requests. Face-to-face appointments are available across Sheffield and South Yorkshire and across Peterborough and Cambridgeshire, with remote assessments available anywhere in the UK.

If you'd like to find out more or discuss your options, please don't hesitate to get in touch.