Dyslexia specialist and Support in Ramsbottom, Greater Manchester and Lancashire, face to face or Online

Level 7 Post Graduate Dip. SpLD ,
British Dyslexia Association tutor (ATS)
PATOSS tutor

The right support can transform your child’s learning journey. As a specialist Dyslexia tutor, I provide one-to-one, tailored tuition that builds confidence and develops essential skills. My focus is on helping students with Dyslexia succeed in English, particularly at GCSE level, through targeted strategies that address both subject knowledge and exam techniques.

Parent Testimonials

 After a school life filled with 'Dyslexia' type struggles, in his GCSE year at school my son asked for extra support for his English studies. After being frustrated by a tutor website which prioritised demanding money ahead of ensuring a good fit, a personal recommendation came up with Karen Barber. We were on the skids, with just 3 months to go until the GCSE exams. Karen's background is in turning around kids that have lost their way in mainstream education, she is no nonsense and disciplined, she comes with an innate ability to suss out personality, form a strategy to ensure goals are set and then achieved. Karen has a good sense of humour which adds an element of fun too. My son needed help getting answers down on paper and Karen provided an insight into the tricks and tips in order to maximise his exam success. Under Karen's guidance there was a perceptible growth in educational confidence in my son, a real unlocking of potential visible as exam time approached. I'm so happy to report good passes in both English exams, we are very grateful to Karen for the part she played in providing this help and support. 

Brenda H
Parent

 My daughter had a very difficult year at school last year, she began to really struggle with her work, which sadly impacted on her self esteem. Things were not quite adding up, so we arranged an assessment for dyslexia. It turned out that my daughter had dyslexia which helped to explain why she had been struggling so much; it was also came as a relief because my daughter was no longer labelled as not trying, which was one of the most upsetting things to experience. We found Karen on the BDA website and almost immediately Karen’s input had a positive impact on my daughter's learning and self esteem, which was amazing to see. My daughter connected straight away with Karen and regularly told me that Karen’s teaching was really helping her. I highly recommend Karen to any parent looking for a tutor to support a child with dyslexia. Karen is professional, disciplined and at the same time extremely supportive and encouraging. Karen has transformed how my daughter learns, which is a lifelong skill, it’s amazing to see and I can’t thank her enough. 

Denise O.
Parent

 My 15 year old son had his parents evening last week and got glowing reports for his enthusiasm and diligence. His sessions with you really have made all the difference to his confidence and attitude to being able to do things. We are so grateful for your help and time. His assessment for exams really shows his improvement and he is so proud of himself for getting into the ‘normal’ bracket. 

Dr W

 Karen was extremely helpful and informative and provided my daughter with the help she needed after a late Dyslexia diagnosis at A Level stage, Karen helped with revision and other techniques for exams would highly recommend 

J Woods
     

 Google Review - Karen is a very knowledgeable dyslexia expert. Who goes above and beyond expectations. Provided tailored private lessons to my sons individual needs. Highly recommended 

AJS
Parent
     

 Google Review My daughter has been having sessions with Karen for about 2 years now, and they have become a vital part of her learning. Karen is very accommodating and really cares for her students. My daughter looks forward to going to her sessions each week. Karen adapts her sessions based on my daughter's focus/concentration needs on any particular day so that she doesn't become too overwhelmed, and plays lots of games which my daughter loves! The programme Karen follows, along with Karen's understanding and patience with my daughter, has been pivitol in helping her to build her confidence and resilience with the struggles her dyslexia brings her. I would definitely recommend Karen. 

Jim Huff
Parent
     

 Google review - Karen was fantastically helpful with our 2 boys who have dyslexia, both working through the dyslexia programme with her and then having sessions on GCSE exam technique in English language and literature. They looked forward to their sessions and she helped to build up their love of reading. With Karen’s help they significantly improved their English grades and are now happily pursuing their chosen STEM courses at University. Thank you Karen for giving them back their confidence in learning. 

Katie
Parent
     

 Google review - Super grateful for the tutoring and support Karen gave to my daughter in years 8 and 9. My daughter hated English subject and was below average in English for her year. Karen transformed my daughter’s confidence in English and helped hugely improved her spelling. In her GCSE year now, my daughter is now being projected a 7 and she is confidently writing in all her essay based subjects. I honestly don’t think my daughter would be where she is now if it wasn’t for the tutoring she received from Karen. Thank you🙏 

Helen Fletcher
Parent
     

 Google review - We honestly couldn’t be happier with the support our son received. He went from a grade 3 in his English Language mock exam to achieving a 6 in his GCSE, which is an amazing turnaround. More than just improving his grades, Karen really boosted his confidence and made him believe in himself. We’re so grateful for the patience, encouragement and care that Karen has shown throughout. We would highly recommended Karen. 

Sarah
Parent
  
Could my child be Dyslexic?
  • Do you feel that your child is having difficulties reading, writing or spelling in class?

  • Are they finding English/Literacy lessons frustrating? 

  • Does your child become anxious or upset In lessons?

  • Are they reluctant to read? 

  • Write letters in the wrong order?

  • Difficulty telling left from right, order of days of the week, months of the year etc

  • Surprises you because in other ways he/she is bright and alert.

  • Cannot remember times tables, alphabet, formulae etc.

Source: British Dyslexia Association
GCSE English Support for Students with Dyslexia
If your child is preparing for AQA English Language or Literature GCSE, I provide structured guidance designed to meet their needs as a Dyslexic learner. My online and face to face sessions addres key areas such as - 
  • set text analysis
  • reading comprehension
  • writing skills
  • exam techniques
  • study strategies. 
Each lesson is adapted to your child’s pace, ensuring they feel supported and able to progress with confidence.

Areas Covered

Bury

Dyslexia support available in Bury, helping learners improve confidence, reading, and spelling skills.

Heywood

Support in Heywood designed to build confidence and strengthen core literacy skills.

Middleton

Professional dyslexia tuition in Middleton, delivered in a structured and supportive way.

Bolton

One-to-one dyslexia tuition in Bolton, focused on personalised learning strategies and steady progress.

Blackburn

Specialist dyslexia support in Blackburn for both children and adults, tailored to individual learning needs.

Rawtenstall & Haslingden

Dyslexia support across Rawtenstall and Haslingden, available in-person and online.

Session availability for 2026
Online or face to face GCSE support for AQA English Literature and Language for year 10 and 11 Dyslexic students. GCSE English support focussed on Dyslexic student needs. 

The sessions address - 

  • set books analysis - Literature papers 1 & 2
  • reading comprehension - Language papers 1 & 2
  • writing skills - Literature & Language papers
  • exam techniques -Literature & Language papers
  • study strategies -Literature & Language papers

Dyslexia Support sessions are also available from 3.30 pm for students aged 8 -16 years.

Contact 
Email: karenb155@hotmail.com
Call: 07411267540  

About Karen Barber – Specialist Dyslexia Tutor

About Karen Barber – Specialist Dyslexia Tutor image
I hold a Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) from Manchester Metropolitan University and am a registered tutor with the British Dyslexia Association (ATS) and PATOSS.

With extensive teaching experience from KS2 through to KS5, including Headteacher roles in specialised education for Looked After Children, I bring a compassionate yet structured approach to learning. For the past eight years, I have worked exclusively with students who face challenges in Literacy and Dyslexia, helping them unlock their potential and achieve academic success.

My professional background also includes supporting with Dyslexia and on the Autistic spectrum (ASD) undergraduates in universities across the UK since 2019.

• Qualifications and Accreditations:
o  Postgraduate Diploma (Level 7) SpLD – Manchester Metropolitan University
o Professional Membership – British Dyslexia Association (ATS)
o Membership – PATOSS
o Professional Indemnity Insurance
o Current DBS Certificate


How 1:1 Dyslexia Tutoring Works

I offer both face-to-face and online Dyslexia tutoring, giving families flexibility to choose what works best. Lessons are delivered in a supportive environment where your child can develop literacy and exam skills without fear of judgement.

• One-to-one tutoring tailored to individual needs.


• Face to face or Online GCSE English support specifically for AQA exam board.


• Sessions available for ages 8–16, after school (from 15:30).


• Focus on literacy development, study skills, and exam preparation.

Contact

  • Dyslexia Manchester, Higher Summerseat, Ramsbottom, Bury, UK

If you’re looking for a qualified, supportive Dyslexia tutor either face to face or online, in Ramsbottom, Greater Manchester or Lancashire, I’d be delighted to help.