News and Research

By Zhu Hua, Elin Arfon and Ann-Marie Hunter Language learning in the UK is often framed as being in a state of “crisis”, foregrounded particularly by declining language GCSE uptake and concerns about the long-term future of language learning in schools. But does this narrative provide a fair reflection of what is happening across all schools in England? Our … Continued

Vicky Gough, British Council Schools Adviser, said: “Congratulations to all students receiving their A-level language results today. “The significant drop in French and German entries this year is alarming and highlights an urgent need for the increased promotion of language learning in schools.  “Our most recent Language Trends research reveals a stark reality – language … Continued

On Saturday 22nd March 2025, Gareth Thomas MP for Harrow West, the India All-Party Parliamentary Group, The 1928 Institute, and UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society held a conference exploring the teaching and learning of Gujarati language and culture in England.  The conference was also supported by the exam board Pearson UK, who offer Gujarati … Continued

After a wonderful visit by the Department of Education to Littleover Community School, NCLE Specialist Teacher and Head of German Dawn Piper shared an overview of the day. “On Tuesday 24th September, Derwent Language Hub at Littleover Community School were delighted to host the Permanent Secretary for the Department of Education and nearly 250 civil … Continued

Professor Li Wei, UCL IOE Director, Dean and Professor of Applied Linguistics and Chair of the NCLE Board of Directors, reflects on the transformative powers of language learning and how IOE works to spread these benefits. You can read the full article on the UCL IOE website here.

Hola! Tag! Ciao! Bonjour! NCLE Language Hubs around the country have been celebrating European Day of Languages on 26th September. Check out some of the wonderful activities that were happening to celebrate the beauty of language diversity. Beeleigh Language Hub has been working to to boost language education in Essex. Tyne to Tees Language Hub … Continued

European Day of Languages is on 26 September 2024. Run by the Council of Europe, this is a fabulous opportunity to involve your pupils in international activities and open the door to the wider world. The theme this year is Languages for Peace (a topic that’s arguably more relevant than ever). What will you do … Continued

Key findings from NCLE Parent Survey:  Two-thirds (68%) of parents in England believe learning a modern foreign language in secondary school should be compulsory, according to a new poll.  Parents are now being urged to recommend foreign language GCSEs to their children, emphasising the growing importance of multilingual and international skills. The survey questioned 2,500 parents … Continued

Vicky Gough, British Council Schools Adviser, said: “Congratulations to all students receiving their GCSE language results today! It’s wonderful to see a rise in the uptake of all languages. Notably, German has increased after experiencing one of the steepest declines last year, while the popularity of Spanish continues to soar, bringing it nearly on par … Continued

Vicky Gough, British Council Schools Adviser, said: “Congratulations to all students receiving their A-level language results today. It is positive to see increases in the uptake of all language A-levels, especially as German and French had seen some of the biggest drops last year. The benefits of learning languages, ranging from enhanced intercultural skills to … Continued