At the time of exams many pupils experience heightened anxiety, for neurodivergent children and young people this can be intensified.  Processing speed differences, time constraints, and reading/writing challenges, creating intense “fight-or-flight” stress. Dyslexic learners may experience severe panic, brain fog, and fatigue, as they often face pressure to perform quickly in a format that does not suit their cognitive style. Exam anxiety can feel overwhelming.Difficulties with working memory and slower processing speeds can prevent dyslexic students from fully demonstrating their understanding under these constraints.

Explicit, direct  teaching of study skills and exam techniques are critical for dyslexics because they help bridge the gap between intelligence and performance, transforming time-consuming, traditional learning methods into accessible, efficient strategies.The key is preparation, HWDA embeds study skills in our workshops sessions, with a greater emphasis in Key Stage 4. Targeted Support focuses  on strengthening weak areas, including organisation, time management and revision techniques, alongside literacy intervention. HWDA have recently updated their study skills policy.

Exam access arrangements allow dyslexics to demonstrate their true knowledge and skills by aiming to remove barriers caused by literacy challenges. These are primarily organised by a school or college’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo), in collaboration with the Exams Officer. They gather evidence of a student’s “normal way of working” and apply for approval through the Joint Council for Qualifications ( JCQ) up to three months before exams. Reasonable adjustments for dyslexic students, such as extra time, readers, assisted technology or scribes are designed to remove barriers without providing an unfair advantage.

Alleviating anxiety through proper emotional support directly improves learning outcomes. Developing Self-Awareness by fostering an understanding of how dyslexia affects their emotions can help people develop resilience and build confidence. On our website, under the Parents’ Area there are lots of resources, including the presentation on The Emotional Impact of Dyslexia from the 2024 AGM. Signposting for emotional support can be found and promotion of wellbeing, including organisations and videos, which you might like to look at and share as appropriate with your children and young people.

The British Dyslexia Association offer a free study skills and revision skills webinar, training for professionals and advice sheets. https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk

While dyslexic individuals may have to work extra hard in exams, finding their passion, whilst utilising their learning preferences can offer the greatest rewards. Bill Gates (Microsoft Founder) acknowledged failing some subjects in exams while his friends passed, famously noting: “Now he is an engineer in Microsoft and I am the owner of Microsoft”. Many other famous dyslexics including Richard Branson and Jamie Oliver cite early school struggles, but frequently turned dyslexia into a strength by embracing alternative learning styles, such as creativity, visualisation, and hands-on experience.

Despite attending 13 different schools and facing challenges with undiagnosed dyslexia, Dr. Aderin-Pocock remained motivated by her fascination with space. Although teachers often underestimated her due to her difficulties with reading and writing, she eventually excelled by linking her passion for science to her education. She found that her ability to understand complex 3D systems and physics was a significant strength. Today, she describes her dyslexia as a “superpower” that allows her to think outside the box. This perspective helped her earn a degree in Physics and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College London.

Famous dyslexic, Tom Cruise: “Being dyslexic, I had to train myself to focus my attention. I became very visual and learned how to create mental images in order to comprehend what I read.”

We wish all our pupils the very best during the exam season, remember when it comes to UK entrepreneurs around 20% are dyslexic, so you’re in good company!