Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity

What Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity does

Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity is a UK-registered charity (charity number 1064646, company number 3432423) founded in 1971 by Helen Arkell, Joy Pollock, and Elisabeth Waller, providing specialist support for people with dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties. Operating from its Farnham, Surrey headquarters (24 West Street) with regional venues in Oxford, London (Blackheath), and Bath, the charity serves five primary customer segments: children and young people with dyslexia, parents of dyslexic children, adults with dyslexia, schools and educators, and employers. Its service portfolio includes diagnostic dyslexia and maths assessments (delivered face-to-face or online for ages 9+), specialist one-to-one tuition, adult confidence and strategy coaching via video call, workplace services, and school INSET training. The underlying approach is built on multi-sensory teaching methodologies delivered by credentialed specialists (HASAs and Educational Psychologists), with proprietary programs including the Let's Fly Reading Programme and a CPD-accredited catalogue (Level 5 and Level 7 Diplomas, Spotlight webinars, Boost! workshops, touch typing courses).

The business model combines earned income from fee-based services (assessments, tuition, coaching, INSET training, and courses at published unit prices of £350–£900 per INSET session and £5–£98 for individual courses) with charitable donations and fundraising. The charity receives no government funding and relies on individual giving, corporate partnerships (most notably the 2024 Theo Paphitis Dyslexia Bursary with Ryman), passive fundraising integrations (Give as you Live, easyfundraising, eBay for Charity), and an active events calendar (London Marathon, Royal Parks Half Marathon, London Landmarks Half Marathon, Big Walk for Dyslexia). Distribution is hybrid: regional face-to-face delivery at partner venues and home-based assessors across southern England, combined with online services and an e-commerce shop (408 SKUs) accessible UK-wide and internationally. Revenue is not publicly disclosed.

The organisation is governed by a board of trustees and a CEO, with department heads leading Education (Claire Harvey) and Fundraising (Hazel Radnor). Following founder Helen Arkell's death in August 2019, the charity has continued operation under new stewardship while maintaining its accreditations with the British Dyslexia Association, PATOSS, and the CPD Standards Office. Strategic priorities evident in recent activity include geographic expansion through regional assessor networks, digital service delivery, research collaborations with UCL, Royal Holloway, and the University of Surrey, and broadening the corporate donor base.

Name

Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity

Legal name

Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity

Website

https://helenarkell.org.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1971

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

UK registered charity founded in 1971 providing specialist assessments, tuition, coaching, and training for people with dyslexia, their families, schools, and employers across the UK.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Special Education & Dyslexia Support Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Exam Preparation and Tutoring (611691), Other Individual and Family Services (624190)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Dyslexia Screening & Diagnostic Evaluation (EDAKAJAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Professional Development for Educators (Dyslexia/LD Training) (EDAKAJAK), Dyslexia & Structured Literacy (Orton-Gillingham) Tutoring (EDANAFAB), Parent & Caregiver Training for LD/Dyslexia Support (EDAKAJAJ), Specialized Learning Support (Dyslexia/LD Coaching, Assistive Strategies) (EDAJALAJ), Dyscalculia/Math Learning Differences Tutoring (EDANAFAE)

Keywords

• Dyslexia assessment services
• Specialist educational tuition
• Teacher training courses
• Workplace neurodiversity training
• Learning difficulty support

Headquarters

HQ city

Farnham, Surrey

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: Charitable donations from individuals, corporate partners, and fundraising activities. No government funding received. Donations support free services for lower-income individuals.
2. Dyslexia and Maths Assessments: Diagnostic assessment services for adults and children with dyslexia and dyscalculia, available face-to-face or online.
3. Educational Courses and Training: CPD-accredited courses for educators, parents, and children including on-demand webinars, workshops, and accredited diplomas (Level 5 and Level 7). Revenue from course fees.
4. Shop - Books and Resources: Online and physical shop selling specialist books, games, learning resources, and Helen Arkell publications. Proceeds support charity work.
5. Adult Coaching: Confidence and strategy coaching sessions for adults with dyslexia to help manage workplace and life challenges.
6. School INSET and Training: In-service training for schools, colleges, and educational institutions including bespoke training programmes for teaching staff.
7. Tuition Services: Specialist one-to-one tuition for learners with dyslexia, including summer holiday sessions, available at Farnham Centre, schools, or online.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity provides specialist support to people with dyslexia and related specific learning difficulties (SpLDs) through diagnostic assessments (dyslexia and maths/dyscalculia), one-to-one specialist tuition, adult coaching, and INSET/workplace training. It also runs CPD-accredited educator courses including Level 5 and Level 7 Diplomas and operates an online and physical shop selling specialist books, learning resources, and its own Let's Fly Reading Programme. Services are delivered from the Farnham headquarters, regional venues across the UK, and online, with bursary support to widen access.

Product overview

Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity operates as a service-based charity offering a portfolio of specialist educational and support services rather than a software product. The core offerings include diagnostic assessments for dyslexia and maths difficulties (delivered face-to-face or online), specialist one-to-one tuition, adult coaching, workplace services, and school training programmes. These are complemented by a courses division offering CPD-accredited teacher training including Level 5 and Level 7 Diplomas, touch typing courses for children, Boost! workshops, and an on-demand Spotlight webinar series. The organisation also operates a Shop selling books, learning resources, games, and the proprietary Let's Fly structured reading programme. Services are delivered from the Surrey headquarters with growing regional coverage across South East, London, South West, Oxford, and West Sussex areas.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Helen's Heroes: A community of dedicated volunteers and champions committed to raising awareness and fundraising for the charity. Heroes include individuals who have participated in challenges, advocated for dyslexia in workplaces, or shared their own achievements.

Products and services

• Dyslexia Assessments Diagnostic assessments for adults and children to identify dyslexia, available face-to-face or online for learners aged 9+. Delivered by Specialist Assessors (HASAs) or Educational Psychologists.
• Maths Assessments Full diagnostic assessments for Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) in maths and dyscalculia, plus top-up assessments for those who have had a recent dyslexia assessment.
• Consultations Video call consultations with experienced dyslexia specialists to discuss concerns about a child's learning, explore possible solutions, and provide guidance for speaking with schools.
• Specialist Tuition One-to-one specialist tuition for learners with dyslexia by specially trained teachers using multi-sensory learning programmes. Includes study skills tuition and summer holiday sessions.
• Adult Confidence and Strategy Coaching Online coaching sessions for adults with dyslexia focusing on mental well-being, organisational skills, information processing, social ability, and confidence boosting.
• Workplace Services Suite of employer services including dyslexia awareness training, consultations, workplace skills development, diagnostic assessments, and Lunch & Learn introductory sessions.
• Schools Services In-service training (INSET) for school staff covering dyslexia definition, teaching strategies, and study skills; study skills courses for students; parent information sessions; and educational screenings using The Dyslexic Advantage film.
• Educator Courses and Training Programme Range of courses for educators and assessors including workshops, CPD-accredited training, Level 5 Diploma, Level 7 Diploma, and on-demand Spotlight webinars.
• Shop (Books and Learning Resources) Online shop offering books, learning resources, games, stationery, coloured overlays, and Helen Arkell publications across categories including dyslexia-friendly books, handwriting resources, and numeracy tools. Proceeds support charity work.
• HELP! Course for Parents Practical on-demand course for parents of children with dyslexia covering support with reading, writing, spelling, maths, study skills, homework, and managing self-esteem.
• Level 5 Diploma: Teaching Learners with Dyslexia/SpLDs Professional qualification validated by CPD Standards Office, approved by PATOSS, and accredited by the British Dyslexia Association. Available for KS1/2 and KS2/3.
• Level 7 Diploma: Teaching and Assessing Learners with Dyslexia/SpLDs Advanced professional qualification for teaching and assessing learners with dyslexia and specific learning difficulties.
• Touch Typing Courses for Children Introduction to touch typing and follow-on courses for children, teaching letter positions using multi-sensory techniques over three-day sessions.
• Boost! Workshop Three-day workshop helping children boost reading, writing and spelling skills through memorable methods, creating personalised resources such as journals, spelling games, and word wheels.
• The Dyslexic Advantage Educational Screening Distribution of The Dyslexic Advantage film for educational screenings at schools, colleges, and organisations. The 45-minute film is ideal for presentations to staff, parents, or learners.

Quantifiable outcome

• Children and adults supported with specialist assessments, tuition, and training since 1971

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Theo Paphitis Retail Group (Ryman)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Theo Paphitis, entrepreneur and Dragons' Den investor, launched the Theo Paphitis Dyslexia Bursary in 2024 to fund specific services provided by Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity and the British Dyslexia Association. Ryman stores support the partnership. Theo is a famous dyslexic and has personal connection to the cause.
• Discover AdventureminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with Discover Adventure, specialists in UK and worldwide trekking and cycling challenges. Provides challenge event opportunities for charity supporters including UK Coast to Coast Cycle, Yorkshire 3 Peaks, and Mount Toubkal Trek.
• Give as you Live OnlineminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOnline shopping partnership allowing supporters to raise free donations when shopping at over 6,000 retailers including John Lewis, Expedia, and Marks & Spencer.
• easyfundraisingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with easyfundraising allowing supporters to raise free donations when shopping online at over 7,000 brands including eBay, Argos, John Lewis, ASOS, Booking.com and M&S.
• eBay for CharityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership allowing supporters to donate a percentage of their eBay sales to the charity, with eBay waiving the same percentage in fees.
• UK Young AcademyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with UK Young Academy on THRIVE: Neurodivergence at Work Survey to help improve workplaces for neurodivergent people.
• University College London (UCL)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership supporting UCL research study on the impact of dyslexia on sleep.
• Royal Holloway, University of LondonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership supporting N-CoDe Lab research on reading experiences in neurodivergent adults.
• University of SurreyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership supporting University of Surrey research on social-emotional experiences of adolescents with reading difficulties.
• Academic Bodies (various)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with academic bodies to conduct research, including supporting PhD students, sharing knowledge and experience to support research, and sharing research opportunities with the dyslexia community.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• The ADHD Foundation: UK neurodiversity charity providing training, screening and workplace services for ADHD. Closely comparable in mission, neurodiversity training and workplace offering, intersecting with dyslexic adults and employers.
• Nessy Learning: Commercial digital platform for structured literacy and dyslexia support targeting schools and parents. Compares to Helen Arkell's Lets Fly programme and online courses, with a more productised, tech-led delivery model.

Direct peers

• Dyslexia Action: Long-standing UK charity delivering specialist assessments, tuition and training for dyslexic learners. Directly comparable service portfolio to Helen Arkell, including professional training for educators and parents.
• British Dyslexia Association: UK-wide dyslexia charity offering assessments, training, and advocacy. Direct peer in screening, accreditation of teacher training, and shares the Theo Paphitis Dyslexia Bursary with Helen Arkell, making it the closest comparable mission and product offering.
• Made by Dyslexia: Global non-profit focused on dyslexia awareness, teacher training, and workplace inclusion. Direct peer in the awareness and training layer, particularly competitive for school INSET and employer awareness contracts.

Broad incumbents

• Lexia (Cambium Learning Group): Established literacy intervention provider using online structured-literacy programs for schools. Comparable to Helen Arkell's structured literacy and tutoring offerings, but at much larger, US-influenced scale across primary and secondary schools.
• National Autistic Society: Large UK charity providing screening, training and workplace neurodiversity services. Comparable in the neurodiversity training and employer market, but focused on autism rather than dyslexia.
• PATOSS (Professional Association of Teachers of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties): Professional body that accredits training courses like Helen Arkell's Level 5/7 Diplomas. Broader incumbent in the same educator credentialing space, serving overlapping teaching and assessing professionals.
• Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes: International structured-literacy and tutoring provider for struggling readers, including those with dyslexia. Comparable to Helen Arkell's specialist tuition and Accredited Literacy programmes, but operating at larger US-anchored scale.

Regional players

• Real Group (Real Dyslexia): UK provider of dyslexia screening, training, and consultancy primarily focused on the workplace and education sectors. Comparable in assessment and employer training, but with a more consultancy-oriented model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/helen-arkell-dyslexia-charity

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity