The language gap
“One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.”[1]
Only 35% of working-age adults in the UK reported knowing a modern foreign language, compared with 65% across the EU. Among those in the EU who knew a foreign language, nearly half knew at least two.[2]
In Eurostat's last comparable pre-Brexit data, the UK recorded the lowest reported rate of foreign-language knowledge in the EU, at 35%. By comparison, reported foreign-language knowledge reached 80% in Germany, 60% in France and 50% in Spain.
Furthermore, only 1 in 5 Britons say they can hold a full conversation with a native speaker in a language other than English. Yet 3 in 4 of those who can't speak another language say they'd like to.[3]
[1] Frank Smith, (1928–2020), a British-born psycholinguist and educational researcher who specialised particularly in language, literacy and how people learn to read.
[2] 2016 Eurostat, Adult Education Survey, population aged 25–64; UK data refer to England. Following Brexit, the UK is no longer included in comparable EU-wide studies.
[3] YouGov, 2025
Reflections on the A Level Exam Season
The A Level languages speaking examination presents unique challenges. Students must prepare an Individual Research Project (IRP), with limited support from teachers to ensure assessments reflect their independent research and understanding. Additionally, the exam includes discussions based on confidential materials, known as topic cards.
It's no surprise that many students are turning to AI for assistance.
What might the UK's renewed participation in Erasmus+ mean for schools and language learners?
One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching languages has been seeing students use them beyond the classroom.
Over the years, I've had the privilege of helping to organise work experience and immersion opportunities in Spain.
Whilst improved language skills are often the obvious outcome, I've noticed that students return with something equally valuable: greater confidence, independence and a broader perspective on the world.
