Level 5 Diploma

for Teaching Learners with Dyslexia, Specific Learning Differences & Barriers to Literacy

Applications now open for September 2026 start!

Our Level 5 Diploma is delivered through our sister company, the Learning Support Academy. This course is for you if you want to become a Specialist SpLD Tutor working within education supporting people with Dyslexia or SpLDs.

This course is accredited by the SpLD Assessment Standards Committee (SASC) and is also recognised by the British Dyslexia Association (BDA), PATOSS, The Dyslexia Guild and PASSHE. It can lead to BDA accreditation as a Specialist Tutor (ATS/APS and ATS FE/HE).

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The Level 5 Diploma for Teaching Learners with Dyslexia, Specific Learning Differences and Barriers to Literacy will:

Develop candidates’ understanding of Specific Learning Differences and how they can impact on learning and cognition
Develop candidates’ understanding of the context of learning and of the national and regional policies which affect SEN and Equality policies and provision within their own workplace
Develop candidates’ ability to identify and assess the needs of learners with specific learning differences, using observation and evidence-based assessment
Develop candidates’ ability to plan, deliver, review and evaluate effective teaching programmes for learners with specific learning differences, in individual and small group settings
Plan, deliver and evaluate programmes which include both literacy and numeracy, and understand how difficulties with language and literacy will affect the development of numeracy skills
Develop candidates’ ability to work with others in supporting learners with Specific Learning Differences
Develop candidates’ professional values and commitment to professional standards.

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Course Structure

The next cohort starts on the 28th of September 2026, with contact time every Monday 4PM – 6PM online for 30 weeks.

The course is ideally structured to ensure learners achieve a positive learning experience and provides one-to one tutor support and opportunities for candidates to network with colleagues and experience up to date knowledge on assistive technology and strategies being used by professionals currently working in the sector.

Places are limited so please contact us as soon as possible to book your place.

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Pre-requisites for the course

Candidates will be asked to complete an application form, which includes confirming qualifications and documents specified as entry requirements of the course:

Photo identification e.g. passport or photo driving licence
Current DBS certificate or registration with the DBS update service
Level 2 English and Maths (e.g. GCSE grade A-C) or equivalent
Level 4 teaching or training qualification
Education to degree level or equivalent
2 years experience working in an educational setting.

Candidates who are accepted onto the course and invited for enrolment must provide evidence of their qualifications and produce their documents at that stage.

The Learning Support Centre promotes open access to all qualifications. Candidates who do not have a professional background in education and learning support may find it difficult to access opportunities to generate the full range of evidence required to achieve this qualification. Please contact us prior to application if you have concerns about meeting the pre-requisites of the course.

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Course fees

Level 5 Diploma

£2800 Inclusive of VAT

Please note: After the September 2026 cohort, course fees will change from £2,800 (inclusive of VAT) to £2,800 (exclusive of VAT), effective from January 2027.

We also offer training on other specialisms:

ADHD
Autism
Disability support practitioner
Electronic note taking
Manual note taking
Mental health conditions
Visual impairment and sighted guide support

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“LSC are phenomenal in supporting neurodivergent students at University. I cannot praise my support workers enough! I would have dropped out of Uni without their guidance! ”

Ed – Language Studies Student, Open University

“An available mind and place to vent and work through some difficulties. I appreciated the warmth and non-judgmental approach, they were very compassionate and validating. ”

Tula- MA Cultural Heritage Management student, University of York

“The fact that l have been able to learn more different types of assistive technology that l can use beyond the ones that were recommended to me by DSA, and l found that it has greatly enhanced my study skills. ”

Manuella – Criminology Student, University of York

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See what other courses we offer

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Mental Health First Aid Training

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an internationally recognised training course which teaches people how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health and provide help on a first aid basis.

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Level 2 Induction for Disability Support Practitioners

Our Level 2 Induction for Disability Support Practitioners is a one-day course offering delegates the opportunity to reflect on existing practice with peers.

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Bespoke Training

At the Learning Support Centre, we specialise in delivering bespoke training and consultancy services tailored to meet the unique needs of organisations and individuals.

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Level 3 Electronic Notetaking

The course focuses on supporting people who are blind or partially sighted and those who are deaf or hard of hearing and require the support of an Electronic Note Taker.

Level 2 Note Taking for Disabled Students in Higher Education

The Learning Support Centre is an OCN London approved training centre and this course is recognised for the purposes of registering with the Department for Education as a Manual Notetaker.