About Defining Dyslexia
Transforming education for learners with SEND and dyslexia
Our mission is to empower individuals with SEND, especially those with dyslexia, by providing compassionate, accurate and personalised assessments that open pathways to success.
Our mission
Assessments as a catalyst, not just a diagnosis
We believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive academically, socially and professionally. Through our comprehensive and empathetic approach, we aim to uncover each client’s unique strengths and challenges, equipping them, their families and educators with the knowledge and tools necessary for meaningful progress. Our assessments are not just diagnostic tools but catalysts for growth, confidence and self-advocacy.
In collaboration with educators and families, we strive to create an environment that celebrates neurodiversity and fosters inclusivity. We are dedicated to demystifying dyslexia and empowering educators with insights that translate into effective support strategies. Through education, awareness and ongoing support, we are committed to helping individuals with dyslexia realise their full potential, transforming perceived challenges into empowering opportunities for lifelong learning and achievement.
About your assessor
Mark Wilson
Mark is a long-standing SEND consultant and dyslexia assessor supporting individuals, families and schools. Clear communication, careful assessment and a report you can actually use matter more here than volume, and if something is unclear after the assessment, Mark would rather you asked.
“As an experienced educator, I have dedicated my career to fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments. With a background as a secondary teacher, Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), and specialist teacher, I bring a comprehensive understanding of the educational landscape, and a commitment to student well-being and achievement. My passion lies in supporting students with diverse learning needs, particularly those with dyslexia and other learning challenges, ensuring they receive tailored guidance and opportunities to reach their full potential.”
Services offered
How Mark supports learners and schools
Provide specialist teaching tailored to individual learning needs.
Comprehensive diagnostic assessments to identify learning differences and understand individual learning profiles.
Assessments for access arrangements to ensure fair and appropriate exam conditions.
Working with schools pre and post-diagnostic to support interventions and embedding.
Support is provided across various educational levels, including primary, secondary, post-16, Higher Education (HE) and Further Education (FE).
Credentials
Qualifications and professional standing
Mark is highly qualified in supporting people with dyslexia. He regularly undertakes continuing professional development (CPD) to remain informed about current research, guidance and professional practice.
Qualifications
- BSc (Hons) in Geography
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Secondary Geography
- National Award for Special Educational Needs Co-ordination (NASENCo). University of Northampton
- Certificate in Psychometric Testing, Assessment and Access Arrangements (CPT3A)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Specific Learning Difficulties and Inclusion (PgDip)
Professional services and checks
- Assessment Practising Certificate held with PATOSS
- Enhanced DBS held on the update service
- Professional indemnity insurance
- Registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
Professional body membership
- Member of the Professional Association of Teachers of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties (PATOSS)
- Member of the British Psychological Association
- National Association for Special Educational Needs (nasen)
Past and recent short courses
- Level 2 in Understanding Autism
- Level 3 in Autism and the Environment
- Level 2 in Understanding Behaviour That Challenges
- Emotional Coaching in Education
- Team Teach Training
- First Aid at Work (3 day course). Paediatrics and Adults
- Designated Safeguarding Lead training
- SEND Law Level 3. IPSEA
- Mental Health First Aid by MHFA
- Lead Practitioner Accreditation by SSAT
- Prevent Training
- Oliver McGowan Training Level 1
This is not an exhaustive list. Last updated: October 2025.
Professional recognition
Mark is a Professional PATOSS Member and holds a current Assessment Practising Certificate. These credentials demonstrate specialist qualifications, current professional practice and externally recognised competence in diagnostic assessment for dyslexia and specific learning difficulties.
Where we work
Remote UK-wide, face-to-face in two regions
We operate virtually across the UK, providing accessible support wherever you are. For in-person appointments, we serve Sheffield, Peterborough and the surrounding areas. Contact us to learn more.
Email mark@definingdyslexia.org or call 07725 559928
In their words
What families and schools say
Reviews are left on Google by the people Mark has assessed and worked with. You can read the full reviews for each location below.
“The dyslexia services and support provided by Mark are truly exceptional. He is knowledgeable, supportive, and tailors his approach to individual needs.”
“Although my child did not get an SpLD diagnosis, Mark's analysis supported Oscar to grow in confidence and independence. The support for school and us as parents was exceptional.”
“Mark supported us with Access Arrangements. His knowledge and friendly approach supported both students and staff. His reasonable fees were also a deciding factor.”
Policies and standards
How we work, in writing
Assessment involves trust, children and personal information. These policies set out how that is handled. Insurance, DBS and qualification evidence is available to schools and other organisations on request.
Safeguarding policy
How children are kept safe during assessment, tuition and school work, and how concerns are acted on.
Privacy policy
What data is collected, how long it is kept, and your rights under UK GDPR.
Cookie information
No cookies, no analytics, no advertising trackers, and what that means in practice.
Accessibility statement
How this site is built to be readable, and how to tell us if something gets in your way.
Legal notice
Business details, PATOSS membership, DBS status and VAT position.