I am Dr Grace Elliott, founder of Hampshire Dyslexia and a fully qualified Specialist Teacher and Assessor with more than 15 years’ experience in education, special educational needs and specialist learning support.

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I provide diagnostic assessments for dyslexia and dyscalculia for children, young people and adults. I also offer early screening, specialist advice and consultation relating to specific learning difficulties. My approach is thorough, supportive and strengths-based: an assessment should help someone understand how they learn, not simply provide a label or a collection of test scores.

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Before establishing Hampshire Dyslexia, I worked in a range of teaching, leadership and specialist roles. My experience includes working as a SENCO in both primary and secondary education, as well as supporting learners as a Specialist Teacher and Assessor. ​I was also Professional Practice Manager at the British Dyslexia Association. This role gave me valuable experience of professional standards, diagnostic assessment, specialist teaching and the questions frequently raised by families, schools and practitioners.

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My doctoral research focused on improving reading outcomes for adolescents. It included a randomised controlled study involving approximately 150 young people and examined the effectiveness of targeted intervention for vocabulary, word reading and reading comprehension. This research has direct relevance to my assessment practice. It strengthened my understanding of why some learners continue to experience difficulties despite previous support, how reading and language skills interact, and which approaches are most likely to make a meaningful difference. I use this evidence to make recommendations that are specific, purposeful and achievable. Rather than providing a generic list of strategies, I identify the most important priorities and explain how support can be implemented at school, college, university, in the workplace or at home.

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Alongside my assessment work, I have published articles for educational and professional audiences, contributed to the training and assessment of specialist practitioners, and delivered professional training and presentations. I have presented research and practical guidance at conferences in the UK and internationally, including events for professionals working in dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties.

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This work enables me to remain closely connected to current research, professional standards and developments in assessment and support.

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Professional Accreditation

I hold a current Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) and Associate Membership of the British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA). These credentials demonstrate advanced specialist qualifications and continued professional competence in diagnostic assessment.

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My Approach

My aim is to help every person:

• understand their individual pattern of strengths and difficulties;

• make sense of experiences that may previously have been confusing or frustrating;

• receive a clear and carefully evidenced diagnostic conclusion;

• identify the adjustments, teaching approaches and strategies most likely to help; and

• feel more confident when discussing their needs with schools, universities, employers or other professionals.​

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A good assessment should lead to greater understanding and practical change. I therefore ensure that my recommendations are individually tailored, evidence-informed and realistic for the setting in which they will be used.