Dr Grace Elliott
Founder of Hampshire Dyslexia
Specialist expertise. A supportive approach. Clear next steps.
When you or your child is working hard but still finding learning difficult, you need more than a set of test scores. You need someone who will listen, look carefully at the whole picture and explain what could help.
I am Dr Grace Elliott, founder of Hampshire Dyslexia, a qualified Specialist Teacher and Assessor with more than 15 years’ experience in education and special educational needs.
I provide dyslexia and dyscalculia assessments for children, young people and adults, alongside early screening, specialist advice and consultation. My approach combines professional expertise with a warm, supportive assessment experience, helping you understand both the difficulties and the strengths that can sometimes be overlooked.
Specialist Teacher and Diagnostic Assessor
Extensive experience in specialist teaching, diagnostic assessment and special educational needs coordination (SENCO).
Academic Qualifications
Doctorate in Education; Master of Arts (University of Oxford); Master of Science (University of Oxford); Master of Science in Psychology (University of Roehampton)
Teaching Qualifications
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE); Postgraduate Certificate in Special Educational Needs Coordination (PGCert SENCO).
Professional Accreditation
Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) holder; Associate Membership of the British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA).
Why choose Hampshire Dyslexia?
Experience that goes beyond assessment
Before establishing Hampshire Dyslexia, I worked in teaching, leadership and specialist support, including as a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) in both primary and secondary schools. This experience means I understand the everyday challenges behind an assessment enquiry: a child who struggles despite extra support, a young person whose effort is not reflected in their results, or an adult who has spent years finding ways to manage difficulties. I also understand that recommendations need to work in practice. My aim is to explain not only what support may help, but how to use it in the classroom, at home, in further or higher education, or at work.
Professional expertise you can feel confident in
I previously worked as Professional Practice Manager at the British Dyslexia Association, gaining valuable experience of professional standards, diagnostic assessment and specialist teaching. The role also gave me insight into the questions and concerns raised by families, schools and specialist practitioners. I bring that wider perspective to each assessment, taking care to explain the findings clearly and reach a carefully evidenced conclusion.
Research that informs practical recommendations
My doctoral research focused on improving reading outcomes for adolescents. It included a controlled study involving 200 young people, exploring the effectiveness of targeted teaching for vocabulary, word reading and reading comprehension. This work deepened my understanding of why some learners continue to struggle despite considerable effort and previous support. For you, this means recommendations informed by research and linked to the assessment findings—not simply a generic list of strategies. I identify the most important priorities and explain how to put support into practice.
A personal, strengths-based approach
You will work directly with me, with time to discuss your concerns, experiences and the questions you hope an assessment will answer. I look beyond the difficulties to understand the individual: their strengths, learning history, current demands and strategies they already use. Whether I am assessing a child or an adult, my aim is for them to feel listened to, respected and supported.
An assessment is not about passing or failing. It is about understanding how someone learns and what may help them move forward.
What you should gain from an assessment
My aim is for you to leave with greater understanding and a clearer plan:
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An individual learning profile: an explanation of strengths and difficulties, and how these may affect everyday learning or work.
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A carefully evidenced conclusion: clear findings about whether dyslexia or dyscalculia is identified, with an explanation you can understand.
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Practical next steps: tailored recommendations for teaching, strategies, support and appropriate adjustments.
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Confidence to discuss your needs: clear information to share with schools, colleges, universities, employers or other professionals.
Whether or not an assessment identifies dyslexia or dyscalculia, understanding the findings can help guide decisions about support.
Alongside my assessment practice, I have published articles, contributed to the training and assessment of specialist practitioners, and delivered professional training. I have also presented research and practical guidance at conferences in the UK and internationally. This continuing involvement in research and professional learning informs the care and expertise I bring to my work.
Take the next step towards understanding
You do not need to know whether dyslexia or dyscalculia is the explanation before getting in touch. You may be seeking answers for your child, exploring longstanding difficulties of your own, or considering what support would be helpful at the next stage of education or work.
Contact me to discuss your concerns and whether an assessment with Hampshire Dyslexia would be a helpful next step.