Specialist Dyslexia Support

Studying with dyslexia can be difficult –many students with dyslexia develop strategies to get round these difficulties.

The college employs two specialist teachers –Andrea Lindley and Erika Montgomery, who along with our Senior Support Assistant Beverley Sutton, carry out dyslexia assessments in college, and then provide one to-one support for as long as it is needed.

Students can then be given the right Access Arrangements in exams (for example, extra time, use of a word processor, reader or scribe), to allow them to perform to your full potential. It is important to note that these tests can be done on site and you will be sent a copy of the resulting report as soon as the process is complete. We aim to produce the Diagnostic Assessment Report (DAR) within two weeks of the last test being completed.

All new students undertake a short, on-line assessment, early in the first term, to identify personal learning styles and any indications of dyslexia. Your son/daughter can tell you the results, and show you the report, but again, you are welcome to call if you have any queries arising from it.

Huddersfield New College was awarded the Dyslexia Friendly Quality Mark in 2009, by the British Dyslexia Association, in recognition of the high standard of support we offer.

When students are ready to move on from college to Higher Education, the team offer help and advice in applying for the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA).

We run an evening for parents in June to explain the process. We are planning to hold it this year in the week beginning June 20th. You will receive a letter inviting you to attend, if your son/daughter is eligible.

‘Thank you so much for your help in obtaining the DSA funding. … is over the moon with his course and the support he is getting’. (parent comment)

In addition, the college’s Aim Higher Coordinator, Ben Burgin, is based in The Study Centre, and will support the transition to university and the workplace.