News and Research

At NCLE, we believe in championing and supporting the rich diversity of languages in addition to English spoken by one in every five of our pupils. We believe that young people’s linguistic repertoire should be celebrated and harnessed as an asset for new learning. Here, Clare Allison, NCLE’s HHCL Consultant Development Officer, explores why recognising … Continued

NCLE welcomes the recommendations in the Curriculum and Assessment Review and the Government’s renewed commitment to primary language learning. Bernardette Holmes MBE, Honorary Professor at UCL Institute of Education and NCLE Director, said: “Investing in the language education of young learners is a wise decision which should equip the next generation with the global communication and … Continued

The National Consortium for Languages Education (NCLE) has launched a new operating model to support language teachers across the country, including LEO: the new, free online CPD platform.  Bernardette Holmes, NCLE Director, sets out the vision for NCLE and how this translates to our work.  Written by Bernardette Holmes MBE, NCLE Director The NCLE supports … Continued

As languages teachers, we are constantly seeking ways to inspire and motivate our pupils, enhance our practice, and stay ahead of the latest pedagogical developments. The challenges we face are many: engaging every learner, integrating educational technology and AI, ensuring all pupils reach their full potential in languages learning, and making the case for our … Continued

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.  Written by Lucy Wicks  The National Consortium for Languages … Continued

The NCLE is re-energising language education by developing teacher agency and strengthening system leadership, and equipping teachers and school leaders at every stage of their career. NCLEs’ Maud Waret explores the power of mentoring for developing both mentors and mentees, especially for interpersonal skills and behaviour management.  Written by Maud Waret  All teachers are lifelong … Continued

At NCLE, we believe that languages education is transformative and plays a crucial role in raising aspirations and developing the potential of every child.  A hugely powerful way to do this is by opening up the world to your classroom: the international dimension will broaden your pupils’ horizons. Vicky Gough, Schools Adviser at the British … Continued

NCLE is offering an unprecedented package of support for schools who offer German, or would like to, or who are simply looking for high impact ways of raising their languages profile. Andrea Pfeil and the Educational Service Team from the Goethe-Institut explain why German can help your school stand out.  Written by Andrea Pfeil and … Continued

The NCLE recently held a webinar hosted by Joe Dale, NCLE AI Project Lead, showcasing how language teachers are integrating artificial intelligence into their classrooms. In this piece, Joe summarises the key takeaways from the webinar, including insights from three different NCLE Language Networks’ pilot projects demonstrating innovative, practical applications of AI tools for language … Continued

Summary of GCSE languages results: Vicky Gough, British Council Schools Adviser, said: “Congratulations to all students receiving their GCSE language results today! “As our Language Trends research predicted, Spanish has now overtaken French as the most popular GCSE. Its growing popularity and cultural appeal show there is real appetite for language learning – when pupils … Continued