After a decade of development, BrightStar has awarded its first franchise with Caterham-based teaching centre Learning Performance adding the programme to its existing range of teaching support initiatives.

Learning Performance Course Director Roger Murray explains: "Dyslexic children are often left to sink or swim in a normal classroom, not because the teachers are disinterested, but because there is a lack of consistent and continuous support."

The centre is to be opened by Olympic gold medallist Duncan Goodhew, a dyslexic himself. He has been through the BrightStar programme himself and describes it as "like fog lifting". He continues: "Dyslexia can be a huge burden to a child that not only affects their learning capability but also their confidence and behaviour. Schools have to embrace new teaching ideas to deal with dyslexia. Why take a back seat when you can be the driver?"

BrightStar CEO Paul Ayres adds: "The Learning Performance Centre is a first step towards a national solution to dyslexia. The teaching and technology works. The franchise model works and it's a huge opportunity for franchisees that also serves a great cause."