The 
problem

What's the problem?

Over the past year, we have been working with Jamie Oliver’s team on an upcoming documentary that explores his personal experience with dyslexia. This is a huge moment for the dyslexic community – a chance to come together, raise our voices, and demand real change for our children and young people.

Dyslexia is too often misunderstood and overlooked, leaving too many children without the support they need to thrive. But we are seizing this opportunity to drive dyslexia up the political agenda and push for the urgent reforms our children deserve.

Jamie’s campaign will shine a spotlight on the key issues: early identification, inclusive schools, and dyslexia-friendly classrooms. These are not just nice-to-have, they are essential for ensuring that every dyslexic child is given the tools and opportunities to reach their full potential.

Together, we can turn this moment into a movement. With Jamie’s powerful voice and our collective determination, we will fight for a future where no child is left behind simply because they think differently. Change is coming, and we will make sure it happens.

Now is the time to stand together and demand better for our dyslexic children and young people.

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Dyslexia is the most common learning difficulty, affecting around 1 in 10 people—more than one million children in UK classrooms today. Yet, despite its prevalence, too many children with dyslexia go unidentified and unsupported, forced to navigate an education system that does not accommodate their needs or help them thrive.

The consequences are significant. In 2024, figures from the Department for Education revealed that 26% of 11-year-olds in England left primary school without meeting the expected reading standard. Dyslexic students are twice as likely to fail to achieve a Grade 4 or above in English and Maths at GCSE, limiting their future educational and career opportunities.

But, the impact goes beyond academic achievement—children and young people with dyslexia report higher levels of poor mental health than their peers, with many experiencing low self-esteem, embarrassment, and anxiety.

But the challenges persist, beyond school. Young people with special educational needs are more likely to be not in education, employment, or training (NEET). Awareness of dyslexia in the workplace remains limited, and shockingly, more than 30% of people in prison are believed to have dyslexia. Without urgent action, dyslexic children will continue to be left behind, with lifelong consequences for them and society as a whole.