School fails to prepare dyslexic young people for work, BDA finds

Dyslexic young people said school had failed to prepare them for life after education, research from the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) found.

The report, supported by Ryman, linked late or missed diagnosis and poor support at school with disengagement, lower attainment and fewer routes into further education, training and employment.

Only one in three dyslexic young people had been diagnosed at primary school, while 54% said teachers did not have enough understanding of dyslexia.

70% said school had limited their education, training and career opportunities.

79% said dyslexia had reduced their confidence, while 76% said it had negatively affected their self-esteem and mental health.

A total of 87% said the job application process disadvantaged dyslexic people, while 77% were worried about disclosing dyslexia to an employer.

Among those who identified as not in education, employment or training (NEET), 89% said their school experience had limited their future opportunities. 

Just 6% felt school had prepared them well for the workplace.