Language Networks

Funded by the Department for Education (DfE), the Language Network programme, led by the National Consortium for Languages Education (NCLE) aims to increase the number of pupils studying a language at GCSE and will encourage pupils to continue to study languages at advanced level, nurturing a lifelong interest in languages. 

Our overall mission is to bring about societal change, fostering greater national interest in studying languages and driving more pupils to study them throughout education from primary school onwards.  

Managed by the NCLE, our Language Network will seek to increase the number of pupils studying languages, improve the transition from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 3, widen uptake of language learning for disadvantaged pupils and increase access to home, heritage, and community languages.    

The 14 Language Networks are bringing together languages education professionals to help schools lead improvement in languages education in England. They are harnessing expertise within their region to develop and spread excellent practice for the benefit of all pupils and teachers. 

What is a Language Network?

The NCLE Language Network is a series of 14 Networks across the country, working with primary and secondary schools at local and regional levels.  Each network supports teachers to explore new ways of teaching through innovative projects, facilitated by expert advisors from NCLE and the NCLE’s new professional learning platform, Language Educators Online (LEO).   

Each Language Network will lead on a project to address a national priority in language learning. This work will be shared across Networks and nationally through LEO.   

The Language Network replaces individual Language Hubs. Building on our success, we will expand our reach to include even more schools to break down barriers to opportunity for all pupils.