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Secondary Dyslexia Checklist

This Secondary School Dyslexia Checklist is designed to assess ongoing difficulties that may have been identified during primary school using the Primary School Dyslexia Checklist. It helps determine if these challenges persist into secondary education and whether further support is needed.

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. Reads slowly or hesitantly.
1 = Never/Rarely
2 = Sometimes
3 = Often/Always
2. Struggles to understand and remember what they read.
1 = Never/Rarely
2 = Sometimes
3 = Often/Always
3. Avoids reading aloud or reading in front of others.
1 = Never/Rarely
2 = Sometimes
3 = Often/Always
4. Skips words or lines when reading.
1 = Never/Rarely
2 = Sometimes
3 = Often/Always
5. Misreads common words, affecting understanding of the text.
1 = Never/Rarely
2 = Sometimes
3 = Often/Always
6. Has difficulty spelling common words correctly.
1 = Never/Rarely
2 = Sometimes
3 = Often/Always
7. Finds it challenging to organise thoughts in writing.
1 = Never/Rarely
2 = Sometimes
3 = Often/Always
8. Writes slowly or produces less written work than expected.
1 = Never/Rarely
2 = Sometimes
3 = Often/Always
9. Frequently makes grammatical errors in writing or misses out punctuation.
1 = Never/Rarely
2 = Sometimes
3 = Often/Always
10. Struggles to plan and structure essays or written assignments.
1 = Never/Rarely
2 = Sometimes
3 = Often/Always
11. Has difficulty following multi-step instructions.
1 = Never/Rarely
2 = Sometimes
3 = Often/Always
12. Often forgets what was just read or discussed.
1 = Never/Rarely
2 = Sometimes
3 = Often/Always
13. Takes longer than expected to complete reading or writing tasks.
1 = Never/Rarely
2 = Sometimes
3 = Often/Always
14. Has trouble remembering names, dates, or new vocabulary.
1 = Never/Rarely
2 = Sometimes
3 = Often/Always
15. Finds it hard to concentrate during reading or homework activities.
1 = Never/Rarely
2 = Sometimes
3 = Often/Always
16. Has difficulty managing time and meeting deadlines for assignments.
1 = Never/Rarely
2 = Sometimes
3 = Often/Always
17. Often misplaces personal items or forgets to bring necessary materials.
1 = Never/Rarely
2 = Sometimes
3 = Often/Always
18. Finds it easier to express ideas verbally than in writing.
1 = Never/Rarely
2 = Sometimes
3 = Often/Always
19. Struggles to find the right word during conversations.
1 = Never/Rarely
2 = Sometimes
3 = Often/Always
20. Mispronounces long or unfamiliar words.
1 = Never/Rarely
2 = Sometimes
3 = Often/Always
21. Has trouble learning foreign languages.
1 = Never/Rarely
2 = Sometimes
3 = Often/Always
22. Confuses mathematical symbols or numbers.
1 = Never/Rarely
2 = Sometimes
3 = Often/Always
23. Finds it difficult to remember mathematical formulas or sequences.
1 = Never/Rarely
2 = Sometimes
3 = Often/Always
24. Avoids tasks that involve extensive reading or writing.
1 = Never/Rarely
2 = Sometimes
3 = Often/Always
25. Feels overwhelmed by large amounts of text or complex assignments.
1 = Never/Rarely
2 = Sometimes
3 = Often/Always

Scoring Guide

​

Total Possible Score: 25 to 75

​

25–41 points (Mostly 1s): Low likelihood of dyslexia.

42–58 points (Mostly 2s): Moderate indicators of dyslexia; consider further observation.

59–75 points (Mostly 3s): Strong indicators of dyslexia; professional evaluation recommended.

 

Next Steps

​

Low Likelihood (25–41 points): Continue to support the student's learning.

Moderate Indicators (42–58 points): Observe the student further. Consider further assessment.

Strong Indicators (59–75 points): Seek a professional assessment from Dyslexia Help UK.

 

Important Notes

​

Purpose of the Checklist:

This checklist is a screening tool designed to identify signs that may indicate dyslexia in secondary school students.

​

Not a Diagnostic Tool:

It is not a formal diagnosis. Only a qualified professional can diagnose dyslexia.​

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