What are diagnostic assessments? Diagnostic assessments for specific learning difficulties (SpLD)

A diagnostic assessment is carried out by an educational psychologist or a specialist teacher. It can determine if your difficulties with studying and learning are due to one or more specific learning difficulty (SpLD).

It can also help to:

• identify what support you need to help you study
• indicate what type of learning suits you
• explain to others about your specific learning difficulty
• highlight your strengths
• get the support you may need at your workplace.

Your diagnostic assessment report can be used to request specialist study support from us. You can also use it to apply for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA).

If you already have a diagnostic assessment report, contact us to check if it can be used to request study support or whether you need a new one. If you live in England, contact the Disability Support Team. If you live in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales, contact your student support team.

What a diagnostic assessment involves

An assessment can take up to three hours and can be either in person or by video call. It's your responsibility to find a qualified assessor. It will: 

• examine your learning history 
• profile your working memory 
• identify your current strengths and weaknesses.