Where to go for a dyslexia assessment if your child attends an international school.

If your child attends an international school and you are worried they may have dyslexia, one of the first questions you will probably ask is: where can we actually get a proper assessment?

It can feel confusing because international schools often sit outside national education systems and the support available can vary hugely from country to country. The reassuring news is that you are not limited to what your child’s school can provide. You have more options than you might realise.

Laura Gowers, the founder of This is Dyslexia - Dyslexia assessments and coaching, a business that supports international students with dyslexia breaks down your questions.

First, it helps to understand what you are looking for.

A full dyslexia assessment is different from a screening. A screening can flag risk, but it does not give you a formal diagnosis or the detailed recommendations your child needs. For international schooling, you ideally want a diagnostic assessment that:

• Is carried out by a qualified dyslexia specialist.

• Produces a written report.

• Is recognised by schools and exam boards.

• Gives practical, personalised support advice.

This is what helps your child to evidence the need for access reasonable adjustments, classroom support and exam access arrangements later on.

So where can you get one?

1. A private dyslexia assessor

   
   

   This is often the most reliable option for international school families.

Private assessors work independently of schools and can assess children from any educational setting. Many specialise in working with children who are educated abroad or in international systems such as IB, British International, American or bilingual schools.

Some assessors work:

• Face to face in specific locations.

• Online via remote assessment.

• Through a mix of both.

Remote assessments have made access far easier for families living overseas or in countries where dyslexia services are limited. As long as the assessor is properly qualified and experienced, a remote assessment can be just as thorough and valid.

2. UK-based assessors for international families

   
   

   Many international schools follow British qualifications or UK-style exam systems. In these cases, families often choose a UK-based assessor because:

• Their reports are widely recognised.

• They understand UK exam boards and access arrangements.

• The assessment language and recommendations are familiar to schools.

This can be particularly helpful if your child may return to the UK for secondary education, university, or exams.

3. Educational psychologists

   
   

   Some families use educational psychologists who also diagnose dyslexia. This can be a good option, especially if there are broader concerns around learning, attention, anxiety or development.

However, it is important to check:

• That dyslexia is included explicitly in the assessment.

• That the report gives detailed literacy recommendations.

• That the assessor has strong experience with dyslexia, not just general learning difficulties.

4. Through the international school itself

   
   

   Some international schools have:

• In-house learning support teams.

• Visiting specialists.

• Links with external assessors.

This can be helpful, but it varies significantly. Many schools can only offer screenings, not full diagnostic assessments. Others may rely on external professionals that families still need to fund privately.

It is always worth asking:

• Do you offer diagnostic dyslexia assessments or only screening?

• Who completes them and what qualifications do they hold?

• Will the report be recognised for exam access arrangements?

5. Online assessment services

   
   

   Online dyslexia assessments are becoming more common and are particularly valuable for:

• Families living abroad.

• Countries with limited specialist provision.

• Children who are confident working digitally.

The key is quality. You want:

• A live, interactive assessment.

• A qualified assessor, not automated testing.

• A detailed written report following professional standards set out by SASC.

• Time spent understanding your child emotionally as well as academically.

A good online assessment should still feel human, thorough and supportive.

Always check:

• Qualifications and professional registration.

• Experience with children and dyslexia.

• Experience working with international or bilingual learners.

• What the report includes.

• Whether schools and exam boards accept their assessments.

The right assessor understands that your child is not just a set of scores. They will look at confidence, emotional wellbeing, learning style and strengths, not just difficulties.

Why this matters so much for international children?

International school children often:

• Learn in a second or third language.

• Move between education systems.

• Experience cultural and academic transitions.

• Are very good at masking difficulties.

Dyslexia can be missed or misunderstood in these settings. A thorough assessment brings clarity. It helps schools support properly rather than guessing. It helps children understand themselves instead of assuming they are not trying hard enough. And it gives parents confidence in advocating for the right support.

If you are reading this because your gut tells you something is being overlooked, trust that instinct. You do not have to wait for a school to act. You are allowed to seek clarity independently. You can find out more about how This is Dyslexia supports international families through remote assessments by visiting: https://www.thisisdyslexia.co.uk/dyslexia-assessments

A dyslexia assessment is not about labels. It is about understanding your child’s brain, protecting their confidence, and making sure their learning environment finally makes sense for them.