Dyslexia could cause half of SAT exam failures

Half of children who fail key reading and writing tests are likely to have dyslexia or other learning difficulties, according to findings of a new report.

The research commissioned by the charity Xtraordinary People found that 55 per cent of primary school children failing their SATS tests displayed the signs of being dyslexic. Researchers screened 1,300 children aged seven and 11, at 20 schools in three areas as part of their study.

Commenting on the findings, Kate Griggs, Xtraordinary People founder, said: 'This level of failure is unacceptable and unnecessary - with a correct diagnosis and support from trained specialists, dyslexic children can flourish.'