Primary children want more language-learning time

A new survey by the British Council has revealed that more than two thirds (67%) of primary school age children say they would like to spend more time at school learning a language.

Language learning was overwhelmingly thought of as an enjoyable activity by the primary age children surveyed, with 85% saying learning languages was fun.

A total of 2,000 primary age children aged 7-11 were surveyed for the study, carried out by Censuswide. More than 4 in 5 (81%) aged 7 said they would like to spend more time at school learning a language, compared to 3 in 5 (59%) aged 11 who said the same.

The survey shows that most children would like to learn a language when they get older, with 69% of primary age children stating that when they are able to choose the subjects they learn at school, they would like to keep learning a language. Over two thirds (67%) said they think they will use the languages they are learning when they are an adult.

However, students at the most affluent state schools in the country are 20% more likely to take a language GCSE than those elsewhere, according to the Language Trends England 2025 report. 

The survey also found that primary age children had a good appreciation of other countries and cultures. Over 4 in 5 (82%) children said they would like to visit a country because they are learning its language at school.

More than 4 in 5 (82%) children also said that in their language classes, they learn about places where the languages they are learning are spoken, while more than 4 in 5 (83%) children agree that learning languages helps them understand people from different cultures.

But these findings are contextualised against a lack of connection with pupils from other countries. Over 7 in 10 (72%) children said they have not been in contact with pupils from a school in another country, such as through a school partnership.

The top five languages children are learning at school are: French (50%), Spanish (30%), British Sign Language (BSL) (16%), German (6%), Italian (2%).

The survey also looked at languages spoken in the home, with only 16% of those surveyed stating that their parents or guardians never speak to them in another language.

43% of children surveyed said their parents or guardians speak another language at home, with 27% saying that parents or guardians sometimes speak to them in another language.

Vicky Gough, British Council Schools Adviser, said: “It’s fantastic to see so much enthusiasm for language learning among primary pupils. We need to make sure that this early enthusiasm is harnessed so that, by the age of 14, pupils are still excited to choose a language at GCSE.

“These pupils need to be given more opportunities to communicate and build relationships internationally, so that language learning can feel real, relevant and exciting, giving learners a clear purpose for using their skills. The recent announcement that the UK will join the Erasmus+ scheme in 2027 should provide many opportunities for pupils and teachers to connect with peers overseas and inspire the next generation of language learners.”

Bernardette Holmes MBE, Honorary Professor at UCL-IOE and Director of NCLE, the National Consortium for Languages Education, said: “2000 children have spoken and we are listening. Primary pupils enjoy learning languages and want to do more of it. It is now time to step up nationally and make sure that this opportunity is open to every learner. To achieve this, our teachers need and deserve the support necessary to introduce an ambitious and inspiring new Programme of Study for primary languages.”