NCLE celebrates 2024 A-Level Results for Modern Foreign Languages

• There have been increases in all modern foreign language A-level entries since 2023: 
  • 6.8% increase in French entries. 
  • 1.6% increase in Spanish entries. 
  • 3% increase in German entries. 
  • 8% increase in other modern foreign languages entries. 

Vicky Gough, British Council Schools Adviser, said:

“Congratulations to all students receiving their A-level language results today. It is positive to see increases in the uptake of all language A-levels, especially as German and French had seen some of the biggest drops last year. The benefits of learning languages, ranging from enhanced intercultural skills to significant economic advantages for the UK, are abundant and research shows an overwhelming majority of UK adults support language education in schools and regret their own lack of language skills. However, we also know that the challenge of falling uptake for languages courses is made worse by the difficulty schools face in recruiting qualified language teachers. As a proud partner of the National Consortium for Languages Education (NCLE), the British Council is committed to supporting schools through high-quality Continuing Professional Development for teachers. The government’s plan to increase teacher numbers is a promising step toward revitalising language education in the UK.”

Bernardette Holmes MBE, Honorary Professor at UCL-IOE and NCLE Director, said:

“It is fabulous to see an increase in language uptake across the board at A-level! Well done to all students receiving their results today.

Our country needs more language skills – that means more young people choosing languages at A level to access the opportunities that language skills bring. Central to this will be boosting the numbers of pupils studying languages to GCSE, who will become the A level students and graduates of tomorrow. The National Consortium for Languages Education, is working with 15 schools-led Language Hubs across England, focussing on boosting uptake and attainment, and closing the attainment gap between advantaged and disadvantaged pupils. We focus on system leadership, helping schools take a strategic lead on languages, and offer new CPD for teachers to reinvigorate their classroom practice. Our targeted actions address priorities like improving continuity between primary and secondary education, reversing low uptake among boys, and providing tailored support for German and less-taught languages.”

Andrea Pfeil, Deputy Director and Head of Language Department at the Goethe-Institut, said:

“The Goethe-Institut is committed to supporting access to learning German up to A-Level for young people in English schools. Our goal is to provide all pupils and teachers with the opportunity to gain insights into German culture and to demonstrate how German can significantly broaden their career prospects through numerous youth programmes and interactive events. We also give hands-on, practical support for schools, from bridging short-term provision gaps in German departments to choosing German for the Duke of Edinburgh Award skill. We continuously develop engaging teaching materials for the current curriculum in all key stages. As the cultural institute of Germany, we are experts in promoting language learning and encouraging international cultural exchange. In our work across the globe, we encounter the life-long advantages of a multilingual skillset every day. Alongside our NCLE partners, we strive to share this expertise with decision makers and to ensure that pupils from every background get the chance to learn a language in depth at school.”