Lead supervisor:
Dr Emily Roberts-Tyler 
Other supervisor(s):
- Prof Jonathan C. Roberts
Start date: January 2026 (Full time)
Award: General
Subject Pathway:
Education
Thematic Cluster:
Language, Learning and Behaviour Cluster
In partnership with:
Using AI and Visualisation to Improve Literacy Support for Pupils with Dyslexia and Literacy Difficulties.
Specialist dyslexia teaching works, but there aren’t enough specialists to go round. This research develops a human-centred AI tool that helps teachers, teaching assistants (TAs) and parents deliver specialist-quality 1:1 support without a specialist background. Pupils complete screener tests, and the adult uploads the results. The AI then builds tailored lesson plans and picks specialist resources and advice to match each pupil’s needs. Short, bite-sized training shows adults how to deliver each lesson with confidence. Visualisation makes pupil needs and progress clear at a glance. The tool will be co-designed with schools and families and tested in real settings.
Research Impact
Every pupil with literacy difficulties could get tailored, specialist-informed support, whether or not a specialist is available. Teachers, TAs and parents gain the skills and confidence to deliver it, which builds lasting expertise in schools and homes. Pupils could make faster progress and grow in confidence as readers and writers. The research will also show how AI can strengthen, rather than replace, the adults who support children’s learning.