20 Shocking Stats That Reveal the Truth About Dyslexia in the UK

At Pro Dyslexic, we believe lived experience is powerful, but sometimes, the numbers speak even louder.

Whether you're a professional, educator, parent or ally, understanding the true scale of dyslexia in the UK is key to creating real change.

Here are 20 carefully selected statistics that shine a light on how dyslexia affects lives across education, employment, and everyday access.

10–15% of the UK population is estimated to be dyslexic.
Yet only around 4% have a formal diagnosis, meaning most are navigating life without official support.
Some studies suggest rates could be as high as 20% among school-age children.
Dyslexia is hereditary, with a 40–60% chance if a parent is dyslexic.

Around 1 in 5 children in UK classrooms may show signs of dyslexia or related learning difficulties.
Students with dyslexia are twice as likely to leave school without five good GCSEs (grades 9–4).
Only 3% of UK university students disclose a specific learning difference, though many more meet the criteria.
Fewer than 1 in 4 schools in England have a trained dyslexia specialist.
The average wait time for a school-arranged dyslexia assessment is 6–12 months, if available at all.
A private assessment costs £450–£750, which is often unaffordable for many families.

Dyslexic adults are more likely to work in part-time or lower-paid roles, regardless of skill or potential.
Only 1% of UK job ads mention neurodiversity or reasonable adjustments.
73% of dyslexic employees have never received formal support at work.
1 in 3 dyslexic professionals avoid applying for jobs due to anxiety over written tasks.
65% say they mask their difficulties at work to avoid stigma or being seen as “less capable.”

Extra time is the most commonly granted exam arrangement, awarded to 57% of pupils with learning difficulties.
Students receiving tailored support are 3 to 5 times more likely to meet literacy targets.
Only 1 in 5 employers offer dyslexia-specific training to managers or HR.
Just 5–8% benefit from coloured overlays, yet they remain a common recommendation.
The Equality Act 2010 legally protects dyslexic individuals, but awareness and enforcement remain low.