Report warns of deepening crisis in language learning

A new report from the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) reveals a sharp and ongoing decline in formal language learning across UK schools and universities. 

Authored by Megan Bowler and sponsored by Duolingo, the report highlights that just 2.97% of A-levels taken in 2024 were in languages, with subjects like PE now attracting more entries than French, German, and Classics combined.

The report outlines a 20-percentage point gap in GCSE language uptake between pupils in affluent and disadvantaged areas and notes that only 43% of the government’s language teacher recruitment target was met in 2024. 

Since 2014, 17 post-1992 universities have lost their modern languages degrees, bringing the total closures to 28 and leaving modern languages in just 10.

The report makes 10 key recommendations, including reinstating teacher relocation payments, keeping languages in the English Baccalaureate, supporting multilingualism and British Sign Language, and establishing a national languages strategy with stronger oversight and funding.

In his Foreword to the new report, the Rt Hon. Nick Gibb says: "I hope Megan Bowler’s excellent report will inspire schools and pupils to take the study of languages seriously and encourage more schools to insist the majority of their pupils study a language through to GCSE. 

"In an increasingly competitive world economy, we owe it to the next generation to ensure they are as prepared as their contemporaries overseas to compete in this environment. England is now fourth in the world in the reading ability of our 9 and 10-year-olds (PIRLS) and eleventh in the world in Maths (PISA). We need to make the same progress in our ability to speak and write in the languages of the world around us."