Language Trends Scotland survey open for 2025-2026
Language Trends Scotland is an in-depth survey for all primary and secondary schools across the country. The research provides an independent overview of the teaching and learning of modern languages in Scotland.
The Language Trends series shows general shifts in data and seeks to provide a springboard for teachers, school leaders, academics, inspectors, policymakers, school pupils, and the public to consider aspects of language learning more deeply.
How to Participate:
We've designed the survey in collaboration with an expert panel in Scotland - the estimated time to complete is 15 minutes.
The deadline for contributing to the survey is 03 October 2025.
Ready to make your voice heard?
Click the relevant link below to start the survey for your school:
Local Authority Secondary School Survey
Independent Secondary School Survey
Language Trends Scotland joins a suite of language trends research conducted across the UK and by taking the survey, you'll contribute to a wealth of data that spans over two decades, offering unique insights into the evolution of language education across the UK.
The research is carried out by Ian Collen and Jayne Duff at Queen's University Belfast on behalf of British Council Scotland.
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 report below to explore the data and discover what these findings mean for learners, educators, and Scotland's global connections.
