Language Trends England 2025 surveyed teachers at more than 1,000 primary, secondary and independent schools to provide an up-to-date picture of language education in England. Now in its 23rd edition, the report builds on findings from 2024, which revealed that six in ten secondary schools faced challenges recruiting qualified language teachers.

Key findings:

• Modern foreign language GCSE uptake is more than 20 percentage points higher in the most affluent state schools.
• 68% of the least affluent schools face difficulties recruiting language teachers.
• Almost one-third of the most disadvantaged schools have pupils who speak English as an additional language.
• French continues to be the most offered language at Key Stage 3, while Spanish retains more pupils at the age 14 and age 16 transition points.
• Small A-level class sizes are a growing concern; fewer than one-third of the most disadvantaged schools can run them.
• International engagement in state schools is nearly back to pre-pandemic levels.

Citation:

Collen, I. and Duff, J. Language Trends England 2025. British Council.