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About IDL

International Dyslexia Learning (IDL) provides award-winning, multi-sensory software that helps improve literacy and numeracy for primary and secondary school pupils. Developed with SEN experts and trusted by over 4,200 schools worldwide, IDL is the UK’s number one SEN app for teachers—boosting skills, building confidence, and supporting Ofsted requirements.

What is included in your IDL package

  • Award winning literacy and numeracy software programmes trusted by thousands of schools around the world
  • An unlimited user licence to use with as many learners as you like on as many devices as you wish
  • A user-friendly interface that allows you to automate lesson plans and see student progress at the touch of a button
  • Portfolio of free resources to provide extra support, including Animated Maths Tutorials, Literacy & Numeracy Screening and Times Tables practice
  • Touch typing and subject specific spelling exercises – perfect for homework or exam practice
  • The ability for pupils to work independently with minimal tutor supervision
  • Apps designed for iPads and tablets so you can use IDL on any device with an internet connection from any location
  • Downloadable certificates to reward pupil progress
  • Progress reporting and graphs to show individual and group improvement
  • Dedicated technical support team and customer service advisors on hand to help
  • Complimentary training available to all staff throughout the year

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The IDL Story

IDL was devised in the mid 1980s by educators working with the Starcross Educational Research Association. In 2012 a programme was funded by the Big Lottery called Lifting Barriers.

This allowed IDL to be developed for use within a school environment in conjunction with SENCO leaders. Over a three year period IDL was placed in to 120 primary and secondary schools across the North West. IDL was required to show an increase in reading and spelling ages along with an increase in confidence and self-esteem for those pupils with dyslexia or dyslexic type difficulties.

The results showed an average increase in reading and spelling ages of 11 months after only 26 hours use.

In March 2026, IDL was integrated into our parent company, Ascentis, an educational charity and leading awarding organisation.

Our Mission

To enable learning through innovative education and exceptional customer service.

Our Journey So Far

1980s

IDL Literacy created by the Starcross Educational Research Association

2002

Scrase research project reported fantastic learner progress

2013

IDL joins the Ascentis education charity

August 2015

Successful 3 year National Lottery ‘Lifting Barriers’ project reported brilliant results

September 2018

IDL Numeracy launched

October 2018

IDL Literacy wins NASEN’s Effective Technology Resource Award

January 2019

IDL announced as Red Rose Awards finalist for Innovation in Business

June 2019

IDL Numeracy wins most Innovative Educational Software Provider

August 2020

IDL Numeracy Screener launched

March 2021

Launched IDL Animated Maths Tutorials

September 2021

Launched IDL Multiplication Tables Check (MTC)

October 2021

IDL wins the Innovation Award for Technology at NASEN

January 2022

IDL Literacy Screener launched

January 2023

Launched IDL Wellbeing

September 2023

Launched Numeracy by Strand

July 2025

90k Pupils Screened

March 2026

Integrated into Ascentis

Meet Our Team

  • Woman smiling
    Sarah Hyslop
    Deputy Head of IDL
  • Woman smiling
    Jackie Holding
    Interventions Advisor
  • ryan
    Ryan Foster
    Partnerships Manager
  • Woman smiling
    Rozanne Brayshaw
    Customer Experience Manager
  • Woman smiling
    Beth Byrne
    Customer Service Advisor
  • hannah
    Hannah Mahon
    Interventions Advisor
Make An Enquiry

Follow us on Instagram!

IDL is supporting #NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek 🙌

This year the focus is on moving from awareness to action, scaling inclusion across workplaces, schools and communities. By working together, we can create a world that recognises it takes all kinds of different minds. 🌎

#NeurodiversityWeek #NCW
Have you heard? We're launching our new IDL Phonics FREE school pilot! ⭐

Be among the first to try the new IDL Phonics programme, an independent phonics learning tool suitable for pupils aged 4+. This brand-new multisensory programme is designed to help every child become a confident reader.

We’re offering schools the opportunity to try IDL Phonics free of charge until 1st September 2026 as part of our pilot programme.

Register your interest now to get an exclusive first look! 👉 https://idlsgroup.com/phonics-page2/

#Phonics #SchoolPhonics
Why do school leaders choose IDL? ⭐

We spoke to schools already using IDL in the classroom and here’s why they recommend us over anyone else!

❓ Did you know?❓
IDL provides detailed progress reports, enabling teachers to track student performance, identify areas of difficulty and tailor their teaching strategies to meet individual needs.

Start your free IDL software trial today — just complete the form on our website and we’ll be in touch! 

#Phonics
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