Language Networks

Strategic Learning Networks: Connecting schools in communities of practice

Join your local Strategic Learning Network today. Wherever you are in the country, there’s a community of language teachers ready to support you and strengthen system leadership: providing professional learning, sharing practical resources, tackling shared challenges, and championing languages together. Read on to find out what your local network offers and how to get involved.

Our Language Networks are 13 strategic learning networks bringing together primary and secondary schools to share expertise, strengthen practice, and champion high-quality language learning. Funded by the DfE, each Language Network is coordinated by a lead school working with NCLE experts.

What the NCLE Language Networks do:

Strengthen system leadership across the regions, growing confident, well-connected language departments through webinars, TeachMeets, resource sharing, and collaborative discussion.
Lead and deliver National Priority Projects — collaborative projects that advance teaching and learning through research-informed innovation on the ground.
Facilitate access to high-quality professional learning supported by Language Educators Online (LEO), the free online platform for primary and secondary languages teachers.
Connect primary, secondary, and post-16 educators in a national community of practice, sharing resources, discussing classroom insights, and engaging in professional inquiry to strengthen language departments across the country.

“NCLE aims to strengthen system leadership for languages. Our Language Networks connect schools and practitioners across the country, driving innovation and shaping a relevant, relatable, and ambitious curriculum for every learner.” Prof Bernardette Holmes, Director, NCLE

Watch our video of The Lakes Language Network (right) to see how this is working in reality.

A picture of a blond female teacher speaking with a student

A picture of a primary school class who have raised their hand to answer a question

This video showcases the fantastic work happening within The Lakes Language Network featuring Sophia West (Language Network Lead and Head of French, Keswick School), Sarah Thurrell (Head of languages, Ullswater Community College), Nicky Steels (Headteacher, Patterdale Primary School) and Simon Jackson (Head Teacher, Keswick School).