Language Trends Scotland 2025-26
The second annual Language Trends Scotland report surveyed nearly 300 schools across 29 of Scotland's 32 local authorities to provide an independent picture of modern language provision from primary through secondary education.
Key findings from the 2025-26 report reveal a mixed picture. There are strong foundations to build on: 99 per cent of primary schools are now teaching languages, and the proportion of S1 learners studying more than one language has jumped from 52 to 63 per cent. Higher entries in French, German and Spanish have risen for the second consecutive year. Yet structural barriers are increasing and 59 per cent of responding local authority secondary schools do not run classes if numbers are too low (up from 52 per cent last year), and this affects schools in the most deprived areas most.
The report also highlights Scotland's multilingual classrooms, with teachers reporting over 100 different home and heritage languages spoken in responding secondary schools, and heritage language exam provision increasing from 29 to 36 per cent.
For the first time, the report also explores the use of AI in language teaching.
With insights from teachers on the ground, this research tracks how language provision is developing across Scotland and identifies where action is needed to ensure all young people have access to language learning.
Download the full 2025-26 report below to explore the data and discover what these findings mean for learners, educators, and Scotland's global connections.
Language Trends Scotland 2024-25
The first-ever Language Trends Scotland report surveyed schools and teachers across the country to provide a comprehensive picture of modern language provision from primary through secondary education.
Key findings from the 2024-25 report showed the challenges facing language education today: 64% of responding secondary schools now run multi-level classes to keep language options viable, while 41% report difficulties recruiting language teachers. Yet there are encouraging signs too, 98% of primary schools are successfully delivering language learning, there are good levels of international engagement in secondary schools, Spanish is now the most popular language at all levels of the Senior Phase (S4-S6), and Mandarin exam entries have grown by over 50%.
With insights from over 240 schools across Scotland's local authorities, this research established crucial baseline data about where we are now and highlights the urgent need for collaborative action to secure Scotland's linguistic future.
Find out more about the British Council's Language Trends Research
- England: Annual surveys since 2002
- Wales: Annual surveys since 2015
- Northern Ireland: Biennial surveys since 2019
- Scotland: Annual survey since 2024-25
