The Oxfordshire charity helping children with dyslexia find their confidence

Oxfordshire Dyslexia Association’s Saturday School is giving children with dyslexia the specialist teaching, encouragement and sense of community they need to build confidence and thrive in the classroom.

Did you know that 10% of the population are dyslexic? Or that 35% of all entrepreneurs are dyslexic? Yet, for many children with dyslexia, school can sometimes feel like an uphill climb.

Reading aloud, spelling tests and written work that classmates seem to complete with ease can gradually chip away at confidence. But every Saturday during term time at Oxford Spires Academy, a group of children are discovering that learning can feel very different.

Run by the Oxfordshire Dyslexia Association, Saturday School offers specialist teaching in a welcoming, encouraging environment where children can learn at their own pace, celebrate their progress and realise they’re not alone.

Drawing pupils from across the county, the charity’s long-running programme provides small-group tuition led by experienced specialist teachers. Lessons focus on reading, spelling, writing and learning strategies tailored to how dyslexic children learn best.

For many families, the sessions fill an important gap. While schools work incredibly hard to support children with additional learning needs, specialist teaching can make a transformative difference, helping pupils unlock their potential while building vital confidence.

It’s this growing self-belief that parents often notice first. Children who once dreaded reading aloud begin volunteering answers in class. Homework becomes less daunting. Small successes gradually become bigger ones.

But Saturday School offers far more than literacy tuition. Over the years it has grown into a supportive community for families navigating similar experiences.

Parents and carers value the opportunity to meet others who understand both the challenges and the triumphs of raising a dyslexic child, while the association provides guidance, advice and ongoing support beyond the classroom.

As a local charity, the Oxfordshire Dyslexia Association relies on grants, fundraising and community generosity to keep the Saturday School running and ensure specialist tuition remains as accessible as possible.

Demand continues to grow. The charity is now looking for another specialist teacher to join its dedicated Saturday School team, enabling even more children to benefit from the programme.

For decades, the Oxfordshire Dyslexia Association has been helping young people discover that dyslexia needn’t define them. Instead, with the right encouragement, teaching and understanding, children can develop the skills, confidence and resilience they need to thrive.

To find out more about Saturday School, events, volunteering or ways to support the charity, visit oxdys.org.uk or follow the charity on Facebook.

For enquiries, please email saturday.tuition@gmail.com

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