Blog: Unleashing language potential: A closer look at the NCLE’s National Priority Projects (and how you can get involved) 

A new programme of schools-led projects in languages education is underway: driving change and addressing regional needs through research-informed action. NCLE’s Lucy Wicks [NPP/SLN Coordinator] tells us more, and explains how teachers in all schools can access the resources and learnings being generated from this work. 

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Written by Lucy Wicks 

The National Consortium for Languages Education (NCLE), funded by the Department for Education (DfE), is re-energising language education across England. Its mission is to strengthen the teaching and learning of languages across the Key Stages, fostering a lifelong passion for languages in our young people. 

This ambition is driven by 14 Language Networks, each supporting improvement through a Strategic Learning Network (SLN) of at least 40 schools.  

A key component is the National Priority Project (NPP) programme, designed to tackle specific challenges and deliver measurable impact alongside the creation of tangible resources, which will be freely available via the NCLE’s Language Educators Online (LEO) CPD Platform and can be used to guide other schools to replicate the projects or adapt them to their own context. 

• The NPPs focus on 12 areas of priority, including: 

1. Supporting school leaders, heads of department and language teachers to drive forward change management and system leadership in languages.     
2. Improving transition from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 3 and supporting progress with higher uptake at GCSE and A-level. 
3. Expanding access for disadvantaged pupils through innovative curriculum and pedagogy. 
4. Increasing recognition of home, heritage, and community languages (HHCLs). 
5. Partnering with local businesses to highlight the importance of languages and related skills. 

An even closer look… 

Here is a selection of just some of the projects we are excited about: 

Harnessing Parent Power – Pate’s Grammar School (Isbourne Language Network) 
Focusing on “Progress across key stages”, this project addresses the impact of negative parental perceptions on pupil motivation. Partner schools are gathering insights from pupils, parents, and teachers to create a Year 9 progression framework and parental engagement resources. The key output will be a digital toolkit to help families support language learning at home. 

Leading Language Change – Trent & Tame Language Network 
Addressing transition from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 3, this project builds on a successful ‘linguistic superhero’ pilot that highlights transferable skills gained through language learning. Working with a variety of feeder schools and partner secondary schools, these skills are being embedded into curricula across both Key Stages 2 and 3. The project will produce resources available to schools via the LEO platform. 

Celebrating and Innovating – Kinder Language Network 
This network leads two creative projects: 

1. The “North-West Festival of Languages” connecting schools, universities, and supplementary schools through events that motivate pupils and drive uptake of GCSE languages. 
2. “Sing to Speak” uses AI-generated songs to support vulnerable learners preparing for the GCSE Speaking Exam. Piloted in high-deprivation areas, it strengthens memory, functional language use, and confidence. A national bank of songs will be shared via NCLE’s LEO Platform. 

Breaking Down Barriers – Solent Language Network 
Focusing on Civic Engagement, this project addresses the disconnect between language learning and career relevance, particularly in areas like Portsmouth. It promotes employability and lifelong learning through workshops, employer talks, and partnerships with the University of Portsmouth and local businesses. The aim is to enhance motivation, support HHCL GCSE pathways, and build mini cross-phase networks. 

Inclusive Pathways – Wells Language Network 
Tackling the barriers to language learning, this project ensures all learners — including those with SEND, lower prior attainment, or heritage languages — can access meaningful qualifications. Its two-strand approach includes: 

1. At Dartford Grammar School (DGS): CPD to promote disciplinary literacy, multilingualism, and translanguaging through a shared metalanguage across subjects, with staff working closely with English departments and families. 
2. At Skinners’ Kent Academy (SKA): a flexible Key Stage 4 curriculum using the AQA Unit Award Scheme. This modular certification supports SEND and SEMH learners through accessible, culturally rich language experiences. The schools collaborate with diverse, high-FSM (free school meals) institutions, and a best practice guide will be published on NCLE’s LEO Platform. 

Guiding principles 

The wide range of school- and teacher-led projects being carried out around the country reflects the NCLE’s commitment to practical, evidence-based approaches and their determination to capitalise on the autonomy and expertise of teachers in a variety of school contexts. 

Digital tools and AI will feature prominently in the development of resources to minimise teacher workload – and maximise the potential for students! The research is clear that motivation and engagement are key areas for development — whether through careers, cross-curricular connections, or creative pedagogies. 

Through collaboration and innovation, the NCLE aims to shape a future where language learning is not only accessible to all, but valued and embraced by more pupils across England.  

Two easy steps to access the outputs from these projects: 

1. Sign up to NCLE’s free LEO platform today. All the NPPs will produce free, scalable resources (CPD content, toolkits, case studies) accessible through the LEO Platform.
   
2. Attend one of our free webinars:  webinars will be offered by the schools involved in the NPPs, alongside NCLE webinars, including a webinar about how to get the most out of the LEO CPD platform on 8 October 2025. Details will be sent via the NCLE mailing list – please do join, by clicking here.

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Lucy Wicks is the NPP/SLN Coordinator for the NCLE.  She also teaches Chinese and Spanish in Oxfordshire.  She is passionate about motivating students to become lifelong learners and to develop and deliver continued professional development that inspires teachers.