The Scanmarker Max Pack of 10 supplies ten handheld reading pens in a single order, sized for a SEN department, a year group intervention or a whole-school assistive technology provision. Each pen scans a line of printed text and reads it back aloud within seconds, so dyslexic pupils can access the same worksheets, textbooks and past papers as their classmates. Every device includes an Exam Lock function that restricts selected features for assessment conditions, where the exam centre permits its use.

Alongside the standard scan function, each Scanmarker Max offers Photo scan for capturing a block of text or a full page, Transcribe for turning speech into written notes, translation between languages for EAL learners and language study, and an export function for moving captured text to a computer or tablet.

Exam use

Exam use is decided by the candidate's exam centre in line with current JCQ regulations. Scanning pens with text-to-speech are one of the more tightly controlled categories, and permission depends on the subject, the assessment objectives being tested and whether the device forms part of the candidate's normal way of working. Because a ten-pack is usually bought ahead of an exam series, agree the position with your exams officer early. See the JCQ access arrangements guidance.

Why a pack of ten

• Enough for a full intervention group or small class set, so support does not depend on which pupil happens to have the department's single device that day.
• Consistent provision across year groups from KS2 through KS3, KS4 and post-16, with every pupil learning the same device and the same scanning technique.
• Supports EHCP and SEN support plan delivery, with assistive technology recorded as part of a pupil's normal way of working within a graduated approach under the SEND Code of Practice.
• Practical for a shared loan system, where pens are issued to pupils for a term or for the run-up to assessments and returned to the SEN office.
• One purchase order rather than ten, which cuts the administrative load on the school office and simplifies budget approval.

How it helps dyslexic pupils

Dyslexia affects word-level decoding and reading fluency, not comprehension or intelligence. When decoding absorbs most of a pupil's effort, little capacity is left for understanding the sentence in front of them. A reading pen removes that bottleneck word by word, so a dyslexic pupil keeps pace with the content and holds onto meaning. Used with headphones, the support stays private, which matters to secondary-age pupils who do not want to be seen needing help.

If you are costing a department rollout or want to trial devices before committing to ten, contact our team. We accept school and local authority purchase orders and can provide a written quotation for budget approval.

• Pack contents: 10 x Scanmarker Max reading pens.
• Scan and read aloud: draw the pen across a line of printed text and hear it spoken back through the built-in speaker or headphones.
• Photo scan: capture a larger block of text or a full page with the camera rather than scanning line by line.
• Transcribe: converts spoken words into written text for note-taking and revision.
• Translation: scans and translates text, supporting EAL learners as well as modern foreign language study.
• Exam Lock: selected functions can be locked to present each device in a restricted state for assessments, subject to exam centre permission.
• Export: transfer captured text to a computer, tablet or phone for use in written work.
• Colour touchscreen with on-screen mode selection and battery indicator.
• Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, as shown on the device interface. Exact standards:
• Headphone use for private listening in class. Connection type (3.5 mm or Bluetooth):
• Rechargeable battery in each device. Battery life and charging time:
• Brand: Scanmarker

• Provision for ten pupils at once. Enough devices for an intervention group or class set, rather than one pen shared across a department.
• Reading independence for dyslexic pupils. Pupils access age-appropriate texts themselves instead of waiting for adult support.
• Exam Lock on every device. Features can be restricted for assessments, subject to the exam centre's decision under current JCQ regulations.
• One order, one purchase order. Ten devices on a single invoice, simplifying budget approval and school office admin.
• Bought from a UK SEND specialist. The Dyslexia Shop supplies schools, trusts and local authorities, with purchase orders and quotations accepted.

What's in the Box

• 10 x Scanmarker Max reading pens
• 10 x charging cables.
• Quick-start guides

Warranty

Each device carries the manufacturer's warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty length: 12 Months. This does not affect your statutory rights.

Power and Batteries

Each pen has a built-in rechargeable battery charged by cable. Schools running a shared set should plan a charging routine, as ten devices returned together will need charging before reissue.

Software, Apps and Updates

Devices connect by Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for export, translation and updates. Schools should confirm the setup requirement per device with their IT team before rollout.

Care and Cleaning

Wipe each device clean with a soft, dry cloth between users. Do not submerge in water. Keep scanning tips free of dust and store the pens out of direct sunlight.

Compatibility

Scans clearly printed text on flat surfaces. Handwriting, heavily stylised fonts, embossed text and text on curved or glossy surfaces may not scan reliably.

Delivery and Returns

Standard UK delivery applies. See our Delivery and Returns page for full details. School and local authority purchase orders are accepted, and written quotations are available for budget approval.

Accessibility Notes

Each device can be used in either hand. Reading speed and volume are adjustable on the device. Headphone use keeps support private, which suits secondary-age pupils sensitive about visible support.

Safety and Age Suitability

Contains rechargeable batteries and small parts. Adult supervision is recommended for younger pupils. Not a toy.

• What is included in the Scanmarker Max Pack of 10?
  The pack contains ten Scanmarker Max reading pens, each scanning printed text and reading it aloud within seconds. Every device offers the same functions as the single unit, including photo scan, transcribe, translation, export and Exam Lock. Please check the pack listing for confirmation of cables and accessories supplied per device.
• Can the Scanmarker Max be used in exams?
  Exam use is decided by the candidate's exam centre in line with current JCQ regulations. Scanning pens with text-to-speech are a restricted category, and whether one is permitted depends on the subject, what the assessment is testing, and whether the device is the candidate's normal way of working. The Exam Lock function allows features to be restricted, but permission still rests with the centre. See the JCQ access arrangements guidance for detail.
• What does the Exam Lock function do?
  Exam Lock restricts selected functions on the device so it can be used in a limited state during assessments. It exists so a centre can be satisfied that features not permitted for a particular assessment are unavailable. Using Exam Lock does not grant automatic permission: all access arrangements are decided by the exam centre in line with current JCQ regulations.
• Is the Scanmarker Max suitable for dyslexic pupils?
  Yes, it is designed for readers who find decoding printed words slow or tiring, including dyslexic pupils. Dyslexia affects word recognition and reading fluency rather than comprehension, so hearing a difficult word spoken aloud frees a pupil to follow the meaning of the sentence. It supports independent reading rather than replacing it.
• How many pupils does a pack of ten support?
  Ten pens suit an intervention group, a small class set or a departmental loan pool serving a larger number of pupils in rotation. Many schools issue devices to named pupils with an EHCP or SEN support plan for a term, then reissue them. Schools running a rotation should allow time to charge and check devices between users.
• Why buy a class set rather than individual reading pens?
  A class set means support does not depend on one shared device being free. Every pupil learns the same scanning technique, staff train once, and provision stays consistent across year groups. It also reduces the school office workload to a single purchase order rather than repeated individual orders.
• How do schools manage and store ten devices?
  Most SEN departments label each device, log issue and return, and charge the set together at the end of a loan period. Pens are wiped clean between users with a soft, dry cloth. Confirm with your IT team whether each device needs individual setup before the pens are handed out.
• What age range and key stages does it suit?
  It suits pupils from around 8 years old through to adult learners, covering KS2, KS3, KS4, post-16 and further education. Younger pupils usually need an adult to demonstrate the scanning technique first, as a steady movement along the line gives the most accurate results. Confirm age guidance with the manufacturer's instructions.
• Does it need Wi-Fi or a school network to work?
  No, each pen scans and reads text aloud on its own. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are used for exporting captured text, translation and updates, not for everyday scanning. That makes the pens practical across classrooms, mock exam halls and off-site settings where network access cannot be relied upon.
• Can schools order the pack of 10 on a purchase order?
  Yes, The Dyslexia Shop accepts school, trust and local authority purchase orders. We can supply a written quotation in advance for budget approval, which is often needed for an assistive technology or SEN capitation spend of this size. Contact our team if you would like to discuss provision before ordering.