- Spanish overtakes French as the most popular GCSE language
- 2.6% increase in Spanish entries
- 1.4% decrease in French entries
- 7% decrease in German entries
- 1.3% increase in other modern languages
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 see the benefits it can bring. We need the success of Spanish reflected across all languages through exchanges, cultural programmes, and real-world connections that demonstrate why languages matter.
“Our research also reveals a significant socioeconomic gap: pupils in the top fifth of the most advantaged state schools in England are around 32% more likely to take a language GCSE than their peers elsewhere, meaning many young people from less privileged backgrounds miss out on opportunities their peers benefit from.
“At a time of increasing global tension, helping young people connect across borders, build friendships, and foster trust has never been more important. We must ensure access to language learning for all, it remains a powerful gateway to opportunity and a more connected future.”
Bernardette Holmes MBE, Honorary Professor at UCL-IOE and NCLE Director, said:
“It’s very encouraging to see Spanish and other modern languages entries increasing, and this shows that there is no lack of enthusiasm for language learning. However, the continued decline in German and French GCSE entries overall is of serious national concern. Low numbers in GCSE languages restricts young people's life chances at this early stage.
“At NCLE, we believe this does not show a lack of interest in languages, but reveals a lack of equal access to languages education. We know these barriers to access hit disadvantaged communities hardest, yet the cognitive, social and intercultural skills that are developed through language learning benefit disadvantaged pupils the most and broaden their horizons.
“The National Consortium for Languages Education and partners invite school leaders and teachers to join us and sign up to our mailing list as we re-energise languages, working with practising teachers, to ensure all young people have the opportunity to study languages and experience other cultures.”
Andrea Pfeil, Deputy Director and Head of Language Department at the Goethe-Institut, said:
“Young people are eager to learn when languages connect directly to their lives and future goals. At the Goethe-Institut, we see this enthusiasm in our international exchanges and classroom partnerships.
“We welcome the Kensington Treaty’s commitment to visa-free school group travel between the UK and Germany, which will allow more young people to benefit from these enriching experiences. Learning German goes beyond language skills, it fosters cultural understanding, boosts cognitive flexibility, and strengthens economic and social ties between our countries.”