• Spanish continues to show strong learner demand and progression across Scotland's education system, with rising entries at National 5 and Advanced Higher level
• French sees a downturn in uptake, with a small increase at Advance Higher level
• German shows decline at Higher and National 5 level, while holding steady at Advanced High level
• Growth in Mandarin entries reflects increasing learner interest in global languages
Claire de Braekeleer, Director, British Council Scotland, said:
"On behalf of British Council Scotland, I’d like to congratulate all students who received their exam results this week.
"The Language Learning exam results paint an increasingly mixed picture across Scotland this year. While we are encouraged to see an increase in students studying languages such as Mandarin, the numbers of those studying European languages, such as French, Spanish and German, remains uneven.
"Our latest Language Trends Scotland report confirms that almost all primary schools offer language learning, with strong levels of pupil engagement at this stage. Maintaining that momentum throughout the education journey is vital, not only to equip young people with the skills to communicate effectively in an increasingly global world, but to also support connections with our diplomatic, security and trade partners overseas.
"Though more needs to be done to encourage resource and uptake, our report also highlights the commitment of schools and teachers across Scotland to strengthen language learning, including adopting innovative approaches and widening access for students.
"These results reflect years of dedication, hard work and determination by the pupils, alongside their schools, teachers and families, and we wish them all the very best for the future.”