Dyslexia Awareness Week 5th–11th October 2026
Dyslexia is a form of neurodiversity that affects the way someone processes information, reads, writes and learns. One of the most common misconceptions is that dyslexia is a measure of intelligence or ability, but it isn’t.
People with dyslexia have a wide range of strengths, skills and ways of learning. However, without the right understanding and support, dyslexia can create barriers to accessing learning and showing what someone is capable of. As every individual experiences dyslexia differently, support should always be tailored to their needs.
At GLP, our Additional Learning Support (ALS) provision helps learners who identify with dyslexia access the support they need throughout their apprenticeship. Dyslexia Awareness Week is an opportunity to recognise that people learn differently and encourage more inclusive learning and working environments.
Why is this important to us?
As a training provider, GLP’s role is to recognise the different experiences learners may have during their apprenticeship, identify potential barriers and provide the right support around the individual. We currently support 84 learners who identify with dyslexia, making it our highest area of identified need. This highlights the importance of understanding dyslexia and ensuring our learners have access to the support they need throughout their apprenticeship.
What does support look like?
At GLP, support begins with understanding the learner. Through screening and assessment, we identify where barriers may exist and work with learners and tutors to put appropriate support in place.
Our support includes:
- Early identification through Cognassist screening and enrolment disclosures.
- Individual assessments to understand a learner’s needs and learning profile.
- Specialist ALS support from our dedicated Additional Learning Support team.
- Personalised support plans with agreed adjustments and regular review dates.
- Reasonable adjustments to improve access to learning and assessment.
- Adapted resources in formats that better meet individual needs.
- Flexible support, including catch-up sessions where appropriate.
- Collaboration with tutors to ensure support is embedded throughout the apprenticeship.
- Ongoing reviews to adapt support as needs or circumstances change.
- External partnerships with wider support networks, councils and agencies where needed.
We believe effective support is never one-size-fits-all. It’s about understanding the individual and responding to what works best for them.
Dyslexia in the workplace
The theme for Dyslexia Awareness Week 2026 is Dyslexia in the Workplace, a theme that reflects the reality of our learners’ lives.
With an average learner age of 36, our apprentices are already established in the workplace while developing new knowledge and skills through their apprenticeship.
For adults with dyslexia, workplace challenges can vary depending on their role and working environment. Processing written information, following instructions, organising tasks or managing large amounts of information may require different strategies, but these challenges do not define a person’s ability or potential.
Creating an inclusive workplace means recognising those differences, encouraging open conversations and ensuring people have access to the adjustments that help them perform at their best.
The impact of the right support
The impact of Additional Learning Support isn’t always measured by statistics. It’s often reflected in a learner’s confidence, independence and willingness to engage with their learning.
When barriers are identified early and appropriate support is put in place, learners can focus on developing their skills rather than overcoming unnecessary obstacles. The strategies they develop during their apprenticeship can also support their confidence and progression in the workplace.
At GLP, that impact is also reflected in our outcomes. Our figures show that apprentices with SEND achieve at a rate 10% higher than the national average, and we have successfully closed the achievement gap for apprentices with SEND.
Behind every statistic is an individual learner with their own strengths, ambitions and potential. Our role is not to lower expectations, it’s to remove barriers, provide meaningful support and give every learner a fair opportunity to succeed.
So, let’s continue recognising barriers, championing neurodiversity and ensuring every learner has the opportunity to thrive in both learning and the workplace.