James started coming to Helen Arkell for one to one tuition after finding out that he had dyslexia.

James’s curiosity about the world was obvious from an early age—by the age of four, he already displayed an impressive grasp of science. So when he began school and struggled with literacy and maths, his parents were understandably surprised. At age seven, James was assessed by a specialist from the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity and diagnosed with dyslexia. This diagnosis was a turning point: it helped James and his family understand the unique way his mind works. He began working with a specialist tutor from Helen Arkell, whose creative and engaging teaching strategies helped make learning not only more effective, but fun.

Despite his early fascination with science, James found primary school challenging—especially when it came to writing and spelling. Maths was also difficult, not because he didn’t enjoy it, but because traditional teaching methods didn’t click with how he learns best. At secondary school, James’s determination shone through. He worked incredibly hard and thrived in subjects where his curiosity could flourish. Now studying A levels in Maths, Chemistry, and Computer Science, James is looking ahead to university, where he hopes to pursue his passion for Chemistry and continue breaking down barriers for students who learn differently.

James’s tips for anyone feeling worried about learning:

• Focus on your strengths – Everyone finds some things tricky, but dyslexia often comes with incredible talents. Celebrate what you’re good at!
• Discover your own learning style – You might learn differently from your friends, and that’s totally okay. Try different strategies until you find what works for you.
• Break it down – Big tasks can feel overwhelming. Split them into smaller, manageable steps and take them one at a time.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help – Whether it’s a teacher, a tutor, or a friend, support makes a huge difference.
• Believe in yourself – Dyslexia doesn’t define you. With the right strategies and mindset, you can achieve amazing things.

James is passionate about raising awareness of dyslexia and other hidden disabilities, knowing that many people still don’t fully understand how they affect learning. He wants to challenge misconceptions and celebrate the strengths that often come with thinking differently. As James puts it: “Even though you have dyslexia, you can still achieve amazing things.”