Mollie King Fronts National Dyslexia Week
Mollie and the British Dyslexia Association are calling on the government to ensure there is funding for diagnostic assessments and targeted support in schools. They are asking for every school to provide the opportunity for assessment as well as providing the right level of expertise.
Presenter and singer, Mollie King, is joining forces with the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) for Dyslexia Week. From 5-11 October, they will be exploring the theme of ‘Dyslexia Creates’. Dyslexia creates artists, entrepreneurs and game changers, but it also creates prejudice, challenges and inequality.
Ten to 15 percent of people are dyslexic. This means there are up to 1.3 million young people in education with dyslexia and 9.9 million people across the UK.
Despite this, it is still very misunderstood. That’s why Mollie and the BDA are taking the week to raise awareness and ensure that people understand the impact of dyslexia.
Mollie King, British Dyslexia Association Ambassador, TV & radio presenter and singer
“Dyslexia creates many challenges, but it has also had a hugely positive impact on my life. I was fortunate enough to be diagnosed at the age of 8, and was given the support I needed from a young age. That’s why I’m supporting the British Dyslexia Association in their campaign to increase assessment, diagnosis and support in schools. Without this, so many children are left to face these challenges alone, and 80 percent of pupils leave school without a diagnosis. We can and must do better.”
As well as taking part in awareness-raising activity throughout the week, Mollie is also supporting the BDA’s campaign, trying to create much-needed change in the UK education system.
Pupils in primary and secondary education are missing out on essential support. 80 percent of pupils with dyslexia will leave school without a diagnosis. Schools are extremely unlikely to fund dyslexia assessments, so for many families, the only option is to pay £500-£700 for a private diagnosis.
There has never been a more important time to highlight the need for specialist support in schools. That is why Mollie and the British Dyslexia Association are calling on the government to ensure there is funding for diagnostic assessments and targeted support in schools. Providing the opportunity for assessment as well as the right level of expertise in every school will lead help children to reach their full potential at school and beyond.
Nick Posford, British Dyslexia Association’s CEO says:
“We are thrilled to have Mollie on board to help us lead our activity throughout Dyslexia Week. Together, we are shining a light on what dyslexia creates. It can create brilliantly creative minds that look at the world differently, giving us many artists, entrepreneurs and academics. But we know that it also creates a significant amount of challenges. 80 percent of people with dyslexia leave school without a diagnosis, which is simply unacceptable. For some, the only option is private screening which can be extremely costly. We need the government to do more, and that is why we’re asking the British public to join our campaign.”
For full details of the campaign and to sign the petition visit