Language Trends Scotland 2025/26 report launch
The 2025/26 Language Trends Scotland report launches on Thursday 5 February 2026, offering an in‑depth picture of modern language teaching and learning across Scottish schools.
The research, carried out by Queen’s University Belfast for the British Council, provides an independent overview of modern language provision in primary and secondary schools, including both local authority and independent sectors. It explores current teaching approaches, qualification patterns and international engagement.
Join us at the Institut français d’Écosse as we bring together education leaders, policy makers and language practitioners to discuss this year’s findings during Languages Week Scotland. The event will consider what the insights mean for the future of languages in Scotland and will create space for wider discussion about language teaching and learning.
Now in its second year, Language Trends Scotland forms part of the established UK‑wide Language Trends series, which offers annual research across all four nations.
Limited places are available for teachers, linguists and language enthusiasts. Apply below to attend.
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
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.
Download the full 2024/25 report below to explore the data and discover what these findings mean for learners, educators, and Scotland's global connections.
