British Academy welcomes increase in GCSE foreign language study

The British Academy welcomes the increased numbers of students studying foreign languages at GCSE level, announced yesterday. Highlighted in the Guardian and Times Higher Education, the Academy has for some time drawn attention to the importance of foreign language learning to broaden our understanding of other cultures and ensure that the UK has the skills necessary to compete globally. 

Dr Robin Jackson, Chief Exectutive and Secretary, said: “In the Academy’s recent State of the Nation report we argued the importance of schoolchildren developing language skills from a young age and throughout their school career. This sets them up to be able to pursue languages at a higher level, for example at university, and means that employers can be more confident that the UK workforce has the skills needed to be successful. The increases in GCSE entries we see today are a very positive development – we must ensure that this trend continues.”