The Language Trends Ireland report is an overview of language provision in post-primary schools in Ireland. The research was led by Dr Ian Collen from Queen’s Belfast University, in collaboration with Post-Primary Languages Ireland, and provides a range of information about the current language learning landscape in Ireland. The report covers language provision and uptake in the Junior and Senior Cycles and details the attitudes towards and challenges of language education. The research has previously been carried out across each UK nation and includes survey responses from school leaders as well as learners. The reports seek to provide schools, academics, inspectors and policy makers with the necessary support to make research-informed decisions on the future of language education.

Key findings include:

1. Languages remain a popular choice in both Junior and Senior Cycles, with 91% of fifth years choosing a language for the Leaving Certificate.

2. Between 75% and 80% of responding students state that they enjoy learning languages.

3. French is the most taught language while Spanish is growing in popularity, as it can be perceived as easier than other languages

4. International engagement is high across Irish schools, and students see the greatest benefit of language learning as being able to speak the language of the countries they visit.

5. The main challenge identified by school leaders is learners’ limited perception regarding the relevance of language learning.