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FE/HE Student Dyslexia Checklist

This questionnaire is designed to help identify potential signs of dyslexia in students aged 16 and over who are studying in further or higher education. It focuses on common challenges that students with dyslexia may experience in academic settings.

Please read each statement and select how often it applies to you using the scale provided. This questionnaire is a screening tool and not a formal diagnosis. If your responses indicate a moderate or strong likelihood of dyslexia, we recommend seeking a professional assessment.

For each statement below, please select how often it applies to the child using this scale:

1 = Never/Rarely
2 = Sometimes
3 = Often/Always

1. I find it difficult to read and understand textbooks or course materials.
1 - Never/Rarely
2 - Sometimes
3 - Often/Always
2. I struggle to remember what I have read without re-reading multiple times.
1 - Never/Rarely
2 - Sometimes
3 - Often/Always
3. I find it hard to take accurate notes during lectures or classes.
1 - Never/Rarely
2 - Sometimes
3 - Often/Always
4. I need more time than others to complete reading assignments or coursework.
1 - Never/Rarely
2 - Sometimes
3 - Often/Always
5. I find it difficult to organise my assignments and study materials.
1 - Never/Rarely
2 - Sometimes
3 - Often/Always
6. I often miss deadlines because I have trouble keeping track of time or tasks.
1 - Never/Rarely
2 - Sometimes
3 - Often/Always
7. I avoid tasks that involve a lot of reading or writing.
1 - Never/Rarely
2 - Sometimes
3 - Often/Always
8. find it challenging to express my ideas clearly in writing, even though I can explain them verbally.
1 - Never/Rarely
2 - Sometimes
3 - Often/Always
9. I have difficulty spelling common words correctly in assignments or exams.
1 - Never/Rarely
2 - Sometimes
3 - Often/Always
10. I struggle to remember facts, formulas, or concepts when preparing for tests or exams.
1 - Never/Rarely
2 - Sometimes
3 - Often/Always
11. I get easily distracted when studying or working on assignments.
1 - Never/Rarely
2 - Sometimes
3 - Often/Always
12. I find it hard to plan essays, reports, or coursework projects.
1 - Never/Rarely
2 - Sometimes
3 - Often/Always
13. I have difficulty following complex instructions or explanations in lectures or seminars.
1 - Never/Rarely
2 - Sometimes
3 - Often/Always
14. I often confuse dates or times for exams, assignments, or group meetings.
1 - Never/Rarely
2 - Sometimes
3 - Often/Always
15. I find it difficult to summarise information from lectures or readings in my own words.
1 - Never/Rarely
2 - Sometimes
3 - Often/Always
16. I struggle to keep up with the pace of lectures or class discussions.
1 - Never/Rarely
2 - Sometimes
3 - Often/Always
17. I need extra time to process verbal instructions or information.
1 - Never/Rarely
2 - Sometimes
3 - Often/Always
18. I find it difficult to organise my thoughts when answering essay questions in exams.
1 - Never/Rarely
2 - Sometimes
3 - Often/Always
19. I struggle to learn and remember technical terms or new vocabulary in my subjects.
1 - Never/Rarely
2 - Sometimes
3 - Often/Always
20. I often forget or confuse passwords or codes for online systems and platforms.
1 - Never/Rarely
2 - Sometimes
3 - Often/Always

Scoring Guide:

​

Total Possible Score: 20 to 60

20–33 points (Mostly 1s): Low likelihood of dyslexia.

34–47 points (Mostly 2s): Moderate indicators of dyslexia; consider further assessment.

48–60 points (Mostly 3s): Strong indicators of dyslexia; professional evaluation recommended.

 

Next Steps:

  • Low Likelihood: Continue with normal work or study routines.

  • Moderate Indicators: Observe further, and consider discussing further assessment.

  • Strong Indicators: Seek a professional dyslexia assessment for formal diagnosis and tailored support from Dyslexia Help UK.

     

Important Notes: 

  • Purpose: These questionnaires serve as screening tools to identify possible signs of dyslexia in FE/HE students.

  • Not Diagnostic: These are not formal diagnostic tools. Only a qualified professional can provide a confirmed diagnosis

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