11 March 2026
by Katie Carmichael
Katie Carmichael on a groundbreaking programme, co-delivered by Dyslexia Scotland and Education Scotland
Places on a pioneering teacher training programme in dyslexia and inclusive practice are set to double following new funding from the Scottish Government
The groundbreaking programme, co-delivered by Dyslexia Scotland and Education Scotland, leads to the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) Professional Recognition Award in Dyslexia and Inclusive Practice. The course equips teachers and lecturers with the knowledge and practical tools needed to create dyslexia-friendly learning environments in Scottish schools and colleges.
The additional funding has been provided by the Scottish Government, which pledged a further investment of £29 million in the 2025/26 budget for local and national programmes to support the recruitment, retention and training of the ASN workforce. Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Jenny Gilruth MSP had previously praised the programme’s success in 2024.
The programme’s expansion would allow for an additional 50 educators per year - 100 in total - to undertake the Professional Recognition award.
Since the programme’s inception, 265 educators have taken part, including the current cohort, and 133 have gained their certification, far exceeding the initial expectations of the course’s potential.
The aim of the programme is to develop accomplished expert teachers and lecturers in dyslexia and inclusive practice so that they are well equipped to support learners and colleagues through the holistic identification and support process for dyslexia – which is the fourth-most prevalent identified support need in Scottish schools.
The expansion of this programme would contribute to the continuing implementation of the 2014 Making Sense report recommendation to build on and develop the suite of resources that are already available to teachers to support them to meet the needs of children and young people with dyslexia.
According to a 2023 report by the Equality and Human Rights Monitor Is Scotland Fairer?, pupils with dyslexia have lower attainment than pupils without an additional support need, underscoring the urgent need for improved support for dyslexia in Scottish schools.
The practitioners who have completed the course and the 47 in the current cohort are adding to an ever-growing community of professionals equipped to identify and support learners with dyslexia in schools and colleges, and cascade knowledge throughout their learning communities.
Education secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “Ensuring children receive an education that recognises their individuality, meets their needs, and supports their aspirations is at the heart of all we do.
“Last year’s additional support for learning (ASL) data summit identified Dyslexia as the fourth most prevalent identified support need in schools. Our support for the expansion of the Professional Recognition Programme in Dyslexia and Inclusive Practice will enable more teachers across Scotland to strengthen the support they provide to children and young people with dyslexia and better serve every learner.”
Dyslexia Scotland chief executive officer Cathy Magee said: “The expansion of the programme comes at the right time for Scotland’s learners. There is an urgent need for a modernised education system that is responsive to the social, emotional and communication needs of children and young people today.
“At Dyslexia Scotland, we believe that every child and young person deserves an inclusive education that meets them where they are on their learning pathway, supported by skilled educators with the training they need to help learners grow and thrive.
“This programme equips teachers with the tools and knowledge to effectively identify learners with dyslexia and provide appropriate, evidence-based interventions that help them learn and attain in step with their peers. This is key to closing the dyslexia attainment gap and building a fairer society, from the classroom outwards.”
One previous participant said: “The award has made me more confident within my role as a teacher. It has had a positive impact within the school as colleagues are happy to ask questions to better support our learners. Parents and carers are more trusting that I am doing everything I can to support their child.”
The line manager of another previous awardee said: “My colleague was delighted to feel recognised for her efforts. She is much more confident in her discussions with staff and parents and much more able to suggest strategies that may help individual children.”
The next intake for Professional Recognition in Dyslexia and Inclusive Practice is due to begin in September 2026. Applications are expected to open in April 2026.
Katie Carmichael is lead for creative and digital for Dyslexia Scotland.
Dyslexia teacher training places to double thanks to Scottish Government funding - TFN
The above information is from a Third Force News (TFN) Weekly Opinion Posts roundup Newsletter Fri 14/03/2026