C-Pen Reading Pens for Dyslexia

C-Pen reading pens are handheld scanners that read printed text aloud, helping learners with dyslexia access age-appropriate books, worksheets and exam papers independently. Trusted by UK SENCOs, the C-Pen range supports SEND provision in schools and confident reading at home.

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Our top pick

C-Pen Reader 2 - assistive reading pen for dyslexia

The C-Pen Reader 2 is our top pick for everyday reading support, equally at home in the classroom, the library and at the kitchen table. It scans a line of printed text and reads it aloud through the built-in speaker or headphones, with a dictionary on hand for unfamiliar words. For a SEND learner with dyslexia, that means access to the same books and worksheets as their peers without having to wait for an adult to read along.

Price: £300.00 | View the C-Pen Reader 2

The C-Pen range covers everyday reading support, exam-only reading pens, secure school deployments, language translation and classroom packs of ten. Every model is portable, battery-powered and works without an internet connection, which makes it as practical for a Year 4 reading group as it is for a GCSE student revising at home.

According to the British Dyslexia Association, around 1 in 10 people in the UK are dyslexic, with around 4% severely affected. A reading pen does not "cure" dyslexia, but it does remove the bottleneck that decoding creates, so the reader can focus on understanding rather than sounding out.

How does a C-Pen help with dyslexia?

A C-Pen scans a single line of printed text and reads it aloud almost instantly, either through the built-in speaker or via headphones. For a learner with dyslexia, this lifts the decoding load so working memory is freed up for comprehension, vocabulary and meaning. Most models also include a built-in dictionary, so unfamiliar words can be looked up in the same motion.

What is the difference between the C-Pen Reader 2 and the C-Pen Exam Reader 2?

The C-Pen Reader 2 is the everyday reading pen, with a dictionary, voice recorder and scan-to-file function for use at home, in lessons and during revision. The C-Pen Exam Reader 2 is the exam-only model: it reads text aloud but contains no dictionary, no thesaurus and no translation, which is why it is permitted under JCQ access arrangements for use in formal exams.

How do I choose the right C-Pen?

Start with the use case. If the learner needs reading support across lessons, homework and reading for pleasure, the C-Pen Reader 2 or the newer C-Pen Reader 3 is the right starting point. If the priority is GCSE or A-Level exam access, the C-Pen Exam Reader 2 is the option that meets JCQ requirements. Schools deploying pens across a year group can buy a C-Pen Reader 2 Class Pack of ten, and IT teams can request the C-Pen Secure Reader for managed environments. If you are unsure, give us a call - we will talk you through which model fits the learner.

Who are C-Pen reading pens for?

Schools and SENCOs. C-Pens are widely used in UK primary and secondary schools as part of SEND provision for pupils with dyslexia. They support reading age uplift in EHCP and SEN Support targets, sit comfortably alongside other assistive technology, and the Exam Reader 2 — which meets JCQ requirements — covers formal exam access for candidates with a normal way of working that includes a reading pen. Class packs of ten make whole-cohort or department-wide deployment cost-effective.

Parents and home use. Many parents buy a C-Pen Reader 2 for confidence-building at home: bedtime stories, homework, reading club books and KS2 / KS3 set texts that would otherwise be off-limits. Because it works offline and needs no setup beyond charging, it is genuinely usable by a child without adult supervision once the basics are shown. Klarna instalments are available at checkout.

Need advice? Call us for a chat on 01394 671 818, or email sales@thedyslexiashop.co.uk.

Frequently asked questions

What is a C-Pen and how does it help children with dyslexia?

A C-Pen is a handheld electronic reading pen that scans a line of printed text and reads it aloud through a built-in speaker or headphones. For a child with dyslexia, this removes the decoding bottleneck that slows comprehension, so reading age, confidence and curriculum access can all improve. Most C-Pen Reader models also include a built-in dictionary for unfamiliar words.

What is the difference between the C-Pen Reader 2 and the C-Pen Exam Reader 2?

The C-Pen Reader 2 is the everyday reading pen, with a dictionary, voice recorder and scan-to-file features for lessons, homework and reading for pleasure. The C-Pen Exam Reader 2 is the exam-only version: it reads text aloud but has no dictionary, no thesaurus and no translation, which is why it is permitted under JCQ access arrangements for GCSE, A-Level and Functional Skills exams.

Is the C-Pen Exam Reader 2 allowed in GCSE and A-Level exams?

Yes. The C-Pen Exam Reader 2 is designed specifically for use in formal exams under JCQ access arrangements. It does not contain a dictionary, thesaurus or translator, which are the features that would otherwise make a reading pen non-compliant. It must be the candidate's normal way of working in the centre, and centres should follow the current JCQ Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments guidance when deploying it.

Which C-Pen is best for primary school children?

For most primary school pupils with dyslexia, the C-Pen Reader 2 or C-Pen Reader 3 is the right starting point. Both read printed English text aloud, work offline, and can be used independently by children from around Year 3 upwards once shown how to scan. Schools deploying across a year group often choose the C-Pen Reader 2 Class Pack of ten, which works out at £288 per pen.

Can a C-Pen be used at home as well as at school?

Yes. The C-Pen Reader 2 and Reader 3 are designed to travel between school, home and library. They are battery-powered, need no internet connection and store scans on the pen itself. Many parents buy one to support bedtime reading, homework and KS2 or KS3 set texts. Klarna instalment payments are available at checkout if the upfront cost is a barrier.

Do schools need to budget for C-Pens as part of SEND provision?

Many UK schools include reading pens in their SEND provision for pupils with dyslexia, both for everyday lesson access and for exam access arrangements. Costs can be drawn from the school's SEND budget, pupil premium, or Quality First Teaching resourcing depending on local policy. The C-Pen Reader 2 Class Pack and Exam Reader 2 Bundle Class Pack make department-wide deployment more cost-effective than buying single units.

How does a C-Pen compare to a phone or tablet text-to-speech app?

A C-Pen is purpose-built for assistive reading: no notifications, no apps, no internet, and it is permitted in exams in its Exam Reader 2 form. Phone-based text-to-speech is flexible and free, but is not allowed in formal JCQ-regulated exams and brings the distraction of a phone into the classroom. Schools and parents typically use both for different situations.