Language Trends Scotland survey open for 2026-27
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 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 survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.
The deadline for contributing to the survey is 2 October 2026.
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 is part of a wider programme of language trends research conducted across the UK. By taking part in the survey, you'll contribute to a rich dataset spanning more than two decades, offering unique insights into the evolution of language education across the UK.
The research is carried out by Dr Ian Collen, Dr Helen McKelvey and Dr Aisling O'Boyle 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 surveys since 2024-25
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 revealed a mixed picture. There were strong foundations to build on: 99 per cent of primary schools were teaching languages, and the proportion of S1 learners studying more than one language had increased from 52 to 63 per cent. Higher entries in French, German and Spanish had risen for the second consecutive year. Yet structural barriers were increasing, and 59 per cent of responding local authority secondary schools did not run classes if numbers were too low (up from 52 per cent the previous year), with schools in the most deprived areas affected the most.
The report also highlighted 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 explored the use of AI in language teaching.
Download the full reports from 2025-26 and 2024-25 below to explore the data and discover what these findings mean for learners, educators, and Scotland's global connections.
