ATC calls for action to boost UK language learning

We’re making a call for action to be taken to make a dramatic improvement in UK language learning – especially German – to help British firms secure post-Brexit trading deals with key European partners.

As school pupils across Britain nervously await their examination results, there are likely to be fewer celebrating passes in modern languages, with German and French seeing particularly worrying declines in student numbers.

Our analysis has shown that the number of pupils studying German at GCSE level fell by 27% from 59,891 to 43,649 in just three years, between 2014-2017. During the same period, figures from the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) reveal that French GCSE figures fell by 22% from 168,042 to 130,509.

It’s a similar picture for the equivalent examinations in Scotland, as well as for A levels and at universities. We’re worried the long-term effects of the decline in European language study – especially German - could reduce the number of qualified translators in the UK at a time when Brexit means the economy’s future could depend on effective communication with key trading partners.

Dan Peachey, ATC Council Member and Commercial Director of Fareham-based language company, Intonation, said: “Britain has never been proactive at language learning and the Government has taken its eye off the ball at a time when there is an increasing need for effective global communication as we approach Brexit.”

Click here to read our full analysis of the decline in UK students studying modern languages.