King's College London

Funding for an SpLD assessment

Can a student be referred for a Specific Learning Differences (SpLD) support with a Specialist teacher through the University?

Yes, we offer a screening service for students who think they may have ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia. Our screening form asks a range of questions to help us decide if a specific learning difference may be present. We'll review the questionnaire responses and contact the student to either: 1. Offer an appointment to discuss their learning challenges in detail, or 2. Refer the directly for a full diagnostic assessment. We can also screen for autism but as this is a clinical diagnosis, we can support students in contacting their GP to join the waiting list and provide support at King’s.

Disability Adviser available

Are there specialist staff available to talk to within the service?  Is there a disability officer or a disability adviser for students to talk to?

Disability Advisers can meet disabled applicants and students in confidential, one-to-one appointments. Their main role is to assess your needs and arrange support. Disability Advisers also participate in projects with colleagues within the university to support the advancement of inclusion at King’s. Assistant Disability Advisers do not provide appointments, but they assist the advisers by managing email queries and they advise on quick queries at the online and in person drop ins. They provide advice on Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA), assistive technology, exam provisions, and residences. They are also the first point of contact for prospective students seeking information visits.

Support from academic staff

Is advice and support available from academic staff within the faculties of the University? How do students access this advice and support?

For specific support on an assignment topic, you can contact your module leader/lecturer. Academic staff usually hold dedicated ‘office hours' for students throughout the week. Your course handbook or our faculties and departments web page will include a list of key contacts within your faculty/department. Your personal tutor can provide general guidance on academic practice and can help you understand feedback that you have received across your modules. They will also encourage you to seek further specialist support with study skills if needed.

Staff continuity and understanding individual needs

Are the specialist disability staff in the team able to offer a personalised, bespoke response to a student’s needs? Where possible, is continuity provided for the student in meeting the same Disability Adviser and/or mentor so the student can get to know them over time?

The Disability Support & Inclusion team provides a personalised approach to supporting students with disabilities. Specialist Disability Advisers work closely with students to understand their individual needs and recommend appropriate adjustments, such as exam arrangements, study strategies, and access to funding like the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). Support is tailored to each student, ensuring a bespoke response that considers their specific circumstances. Where possible, continuity is maintained so that students can meet with the same Disability Adviser, allowing them to build rapport and receive consistent support. For students accessing Study Skills Support, efforts are made to match them with the same tutor over time. The team also collaborates with academic departments and Wellbeing Services to ensure a joined-up approach, helping students navigate university life with confidence.

One to one mentoring support

Are there any additional services available such as mentoring, counselling services or a buddy scheme to help a new student to settle in if needed?

Students can access a range of additional support services to help them settle in and navigate university life. This includes one-to-one mentoring support, where eligible students can receive Specialist Mentoring through Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) to help with organisation, managing stress, and building confidence. The university also offers counselling services, providing free, confidential support for students experiencing personal or academic challenges. To help new students adjust, KCLSU runs a peer buddy scheme, connecting incoming students with trained student mentors who offer guidance and share their experiences of university life. Additionally, the Student Wellbeing Team provides workshops, events, and resources to support students' mental health and overall wellbeing. These services work together to create a supportive environment where students can feel confident and included from the start of their university journey.

One to one / group study skills

Does the institution provide support with arranging One to one/Group study skills sessions?

Students can utilise one-to-one and group study skills support to enhance their academic experience. Through Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), eligible students can receive Specialist Study Skills Support, focusing on areas such as time management, essay planning, and strategies for effective learning. The university also offers general study skills workshops and resources through the King’s Academic Skills for Learning (KASL) team, covering topics like academic writing, critical thinking, and exam preparation. We also have a selection of online self-study modules that are available 24/7 on KEATS, and include resources and activities created by departments across King’s, that cover academic reading, writing revision/exam support, math, stats and much more. For students who prefer a collaborative approach, group study sessions and peer-assisted learning opportunities are available within various faculties. The King’s Libraries and Learning Services also provide academic skills guidance, including dedicated support for students with disabilities. These services ensure that students can develop their study strategies in a way that suits their individual learning needs.