Language Trends England 2026 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 24th edition, the report builds on findings from 2025, which revealed Modern foreign language GCSE uptake is more than 20 percentage points higher in the most affluent state schools.

Key findings

  • Almost seven in ten state secondary schools say they cannot organise classes for pupils in Year 7 according to the language(s) they learn at primary school
  • Nearly half of state secondary schools are unable to run A-Level classes if a minimum number of pupils is not met
  • Around half of state secondary schools reporting recruitment of qualified modern foreign language teachers an “issue” down by two thirds on previous years
  • Spanish is the most popular language GCSE after overtaking French
  • Independent schools using AI in lessons more than state schools

Citation

Collen, I. and Finlayson, N and McKelvey, H. Language Trends England 2026. British Council. 

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