“There is so much value in learning languages – from broadening cultural horizons, to developing communications skills that are increasingly in demand by employers. This report shows that, while schools are doing good work to support language learning, there are clearly major obstacles that need to be overcome. This includes finding time within a crowded curriculum, easing funding pressures, and tackling recruitment and retention challenges that continue to persist.
“We completely agree with the need for a national languages strategy across all phases, paying particular attention to transition from primary to secondary, with the aim of widening access to these important subjects.”