UCFL - University Council For Languages
@ucflangs.bsky.social
The University Council For Languages: the national voice of research & teaching in languages, cultures, societies, and related disciplines in UK HE.
You might have heard that the University of Nottingham plans to suspend all languages courses. This is very disappointing and heartbreaking.
Here you can find their petition aimed at protecting Modern Languages at Nottingham. You can show your support by signing it.
www.change.org/p/stop-the-r...
Here you can find their petition aimed at protecting Modern Languages at Nottingham. You can show your support by signing it.
www.change.org/p/stop-the-r...
Sign the Petition
Stop the removal of Modern Languages courses at the University of Nottingham!
www.change.org
November 10, 2025 at 12:26 PM
You might have heard that the University of Nottingham plans to suspend all languages courses. This is very disappointing and heartbreaking.
Here you can find their petition aimed at protecting Modern Languages at Nottingham. You can show your support by signing it.
www.change.org/p/stop-the-r...
Here you can find their petition aimed at protecting Modern Languages at Nottingham. You can show your support by signing it.
www.change.org/p/stop-the-r...
The University of Nottingham has announced the suspension of all Modern Languages and Cultures (MLC) programmes from September 2026.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
November 7, 2025 at 5:42 PM
The University of Nottingham has announced the suspension of all Modern Languages and Cultures (MLC) programmes from September 2026.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The University Council for Languages (UCFL) welcomes the publication of the Curriculum and Assessment Review and the Government’s response.
Read our reflection here: university-council-for-languages.org/2025/11/07/a...
Read our reflection here: university-council-for-languages.org/2025/11/07/a...
November 7, 2025 at 11:12 AM
The University Council for Languages (UCFL) welcomes the publication of the Curriculum and Assessment Review and the Government’s response.
Read our reflection here: university-council-for-languages.org/2025/11/07/a...
Read our reflection here: university-council-for-languages.org/2025/11/07/a...
Have you seen ALL's response to the CAR Report?
You can read it here: www.all-languages.org.uk/wp-content/u...
You can read it here: www.all-languages.org.uk/wp-content/u...
November 6, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Have you seen ALL's response to the CAR Report?
You can read it here: www.all-languages.org.uk/wp-content/u...
You can read it here: www.all-languages.org.uk/wp-content/u...
Read the article by Wendy Ayres-Bennett and Charles Forsdick in the Language Learning special collection on languages education in the school curriculum in England to learn more.
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
November 3, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Read the article by Wendy Ayres-Bennett and Charles Forsdick in the Language Learning special collection on languages education in the school curriculum in England to learn more.
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
What effect do school policies have on uptake and achievement in languages at Key Stage 4?
If you are interested to learn more, read @karenforbes.bsky.social article as well as Zhu Hua, Elin Arfon and Ann-Marie Hunter’s article
www.tandfonline.com/journals/rll...
If you are interested to learn more, read @karenforbes.bsky.social article as well as Zhu Hua, Elin Arfon and Ann-Marie Hunter’s article
www.tandfonline.com/journals/rll...
Language Education in the Curriculum
Explore the article collection: Language Education in the Curriculum. Published in The Language Learning Journal.
www.tandfonline.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:35 PM
What effect do school policies have on uptake and achievement in languages at Key Stage 4?
If you are interested to learn more, read @karenforbes.bsky.social article as well as Zhu Hua, Elin Arfon and Ann-Marie Hunter’s article
www.tandfonline.com/journals/rll...
If you are interested to learn more, read @karenforbes.bsky.social article as well as Zhu Hua, Elin Arfon and Ann-Marie Hunter’s article
www.tandfonline.com/journals/rll...
Languages are the instrument to peace.
What an incredible panel event hosted by @richardbakermp.bsky.social
What an incredible panel event hosted by @richardbakermp.bsky.social
October 28, 2025 at 8:55 AM
Languages are the instrument to peace.
What an incredible panel event hosted by @richardbakermp.bsky.social
What an incredible panel event hosted by @richardbakermp.bsky.social
Have you seen that the Language & Society Journal special issue on the Curriculum & Assessment Review editorial by Norbert Pachler, Zhu Hua, Wendy Ayres-Bennett and Charles Forsdick is now online?
Definitely worth a read:
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Definitely worth a read:
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Rethinking language education in the school curriculum in England
This Special Collection comprises contributions to the debate on languages across the school curriculum from leading researchers and practitioners in the field. It aims to support the strengthening...
www.tandfonline.com
October 23, 2025 at 8:36 AM
Have you seen that the Language & Society Journal special issue on the Curriculum & Assessment Review editorial by Norbert Pachler, Zhu Hua, Wendy Ayres-Bennett and Charles Forsdick is now online?
Definitely worth a read:
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Definitely worth a read:
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
On Monday 20th October, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Modern Languages held a meeting reviewing recent reports and data on the challenges facing languages in the UK, from schools to universities and beyond.
October 22, 2025 at 7:42 AM
On Monday 20th October, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Modern Languages held a meeting reviewing recent reports and data on the challenges facing languages in the UK, from schools to universities and beyond.
Did you know that you can find us on LinkedIn too?
Stay connected, follow #UCFL for updates, insights, and the latest news.
linkedin.com/company/univ...
Stay connected, follow #UCFL for updates, insights, and the latest news.
linkedin.com/company/univ...
The University Council For Languages (UCFL) | LinkedIn
The University Council For Languages (UCFL) | 71 followers on LinkedIn. The unifying voice for languages in the UK | What are our aims?
1/ To promote research, teaching and learning in languages, lit...
linkedin.com
October 15, 2025 at 11:28 AM
Did you know that you can find us on LinkedIn too?
Stay connected, follow #UCFL for updates, insights, and the latest news.
linkedin.com/company/univ...
Stay connected, follow #UCFL for updates, insights, and the latest news.
linkedin.com/company/univ...
It's European Day of Languages today! 😀
"Languages open hearts and minds" - to connect us, inspire new ideas and broaden horizons.
"Languages open hearts and minds" - to connect us, inspire new ideas and broaden horizons.
September 26, 2025 at 1:46 PM
It's European Day of Languages today! 😀
"Languages open hearts and minds" - to connect us, inspire new ideas and broaden horizons.
"Languages open hearts and minds" - to connect us, inspire new ideas and broaden horizons.
21 November ILCS event on thinking strategically about the challenges faced by language educators.
Don't miss it, sign up now!
university-council-for-languages.org/2025/09/24/t...
Don't miss it, sign up now!
university-council-for-languages.org/2025/09/24/t...
Thinking Strategically: Challenges Facing Language Educators – ILCS
An online event with the ILCS focussing on issues faced by language educators will take place on 21st November 2025, featuring Megan Bowler (Oxford), Emma Cayley (Leeds and UCFL), and Charles Forsd…
university-council-for-languages.org
September 25, 2025 at 2:59 PM
21 November ILCS event on thinking strategically about the challenges faced by language educators.
Don't miss it, sign up now!
university-council-for-languages.org/2025/09/24/t...
Don't miss it, sign up now!
university-council-for-languages.org/2025/09/24/t...
Mapping inequality in SHAPE
British Academy report shows Cold Spots in SHAPE Provision.
An important read, check it out on our website:
university-council-for-languages.org/2025/09/12/b...
British Academy report shows Cold Spots in SHAPE Provision.
An important read, check it out on our website:
university-council-for-languages.org/2025/09/12/b...
British Academy Report Shows Cold Spots In SHAPE Provision
With more students than ever studying at local universities, a recent report published by the British Academy shows growing cuts of humanities, social sciences, and arts degree programmes in rural,…
university-council-for-languages.org
September 12, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Mapping inequality in SHAPE
British Academy report shows Cold Spots in SHAPE Provision.
An important read, check it out on our website:
university-council-for-languages.org/2025/09/12/b...
British Academy report shows Cold Spots in SHAPE Provision.
An important read, check it out on our website:
university-council-for-languages.org/2025/09/12/b...
We are delighted that Emma Cayley, Current Chair of UCFL has been appointed to the REF subpanel for 2029.
university-council-for-languages.org/2025/09/05/n...
university-council-for-languages.org/2025/09/05/n...
National appointment to REF subpanel for UCFL Chair
Emma Cayley, Current Chair of UCFL has been appointed to the REF subpanel for 2029. Emma said of her reaction to the news: ‘I am honoured and humbled by this appointment and looking forward v…
university-council-for-languages.org
September 5, 2025 at 2:33 PM
We are delighted that Emma Cayley, Current Chair of UCFL has been appointed to the REF subpanel for 2029.
university-council-for-languages.org/2025/09/05/n...
university-council-for-languages.org/2025/09/05/n...
Reposted by UCFL - University Council For Languages
Excellent letter.
The APPG Modern Languages has shared a Letter to The Times by Baroness Coussins, Co-chair of the APPG, in response to their recent leading article arguing falling languages uptake narrows young people's horizons (www.thetimes.com/comment/the-...)
August 23, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Excellent letter.
Reposted by UCFL - University Council For Languages
This is excellent. Languages matter for all kinds of reasons, and governments should be pressed to facilitate and encourage their take-up in schools and universities.
The APPG Modern Languages has shared a Letter to The Times by Baroness Coussins, Co-chair of the APPG, in response to their recent leading article arguing falling languages uptake narrows young people's horizons (www.thetimes.com/comment/the-...)
August 24, 2025 at 8:16 AM
This is excellent. Languages matter for all kinds of reasons, and governments should be pressed to facilitate and encourage their take-up in schools and universities.
The APPG Modern Languages has shared a Letter to The Times by Baroness Coussins, Co-chair of the APPG, in response to their recent leading article arguing falling languages uptake narrows young people's horizons (www.thetimes.com/comment/the-...)
August 23, 2025 at 1:22 PM
The APPG Modern Languages has shared a Letter to The Times by Baroness Coussins, Co-chair of the APPG, in response to their recent leading article arguing falling languages uptake narrows young people's horizons (www.thetimes.com/comment/the-...)
Reposted by UCFL - University Council For Languages
Bit more on the Guardian liveblog here
www.theguardian.com/education/li...
www.theguardian.com/education/li...
August 21, 2025 at 10:45 AM
Bit more on the Guardian liveblog here
www.theguardian.com/education/li...
www.theguardian.com/education/li...
Vicky Gough, British Council’s schools adviser, said: “We need the success of Spanish reflected across all languages through exchanges, cultural programmes and real-world connections that demonstrate why languages matter. [...] young people from less privileged backgrounds miss out on opportunities"
www.theguardian.com/education/20.... KS2 still roughly twice as much French as Spanish taught
Au revoir to French: Spanish becomes most popular language GCSE
More than 136,000 studied español for this year’s exams, as holidays and La Liga football help increase its appeal
www.theguardian.com
August 22, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Vicky Gough, British Council’s schools adviser, said: “We need the success of Spanish reflected across all languages through exchanges, cultural programmes and real-world connections that demonstrate why languages matter. [...] young people from less privileged backgrounds miss out on opportunities"
Lost in translation - the case for learning modern foreign languages
www.ft.com/content/c9f3...
www.ft.com/content/c9f3...
Lost in translation
Even in the language app era there are benefits to learning a foreign tongue
www.ft.com
August 17, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Lost in translation - the case for learning modern foreign languages
www.ft.com/content/c9f3...
www.ft.com/content/c9f3...
Reposted by UCFL - University Council For Languages
Can universities help re-route languages pathways?
whoteacheslanguages.blogspot.com/2025/07/hope...
@cforsdick.bsky.social @emmacayley.bsky.social
@nickhillman.bsky.social
@ucflangs.bsky.social
whoteacheslanguages.blogspot.com/2025/07/hope...
@cforsdick.bsky.social @emmacayley.bsky.social
@nickhillman.bsky.social
@ucflangs.bsky.social
Hope is in the air
Languages is in the news again. With an exciting plethora of projects and proposals that could take us forward. Here's one that has just qu...
whoteacheslanguages.blogspot.com
August 15, 2025 at 6:27 AM
Can universities help re-route languages pathways?
whoteacheslanguages.blogspot.com/2025/07/hope...
@cforsdick.bsky.social @emmacayley.bsky.social
@nickhillman.bsky.social
@ucflangs.bsky.social
whoteacheslanguages.blogspot.com/2025/07/hope...
@cforsdick.bsky.social @emmacayley.bsky.social
@nickhillman.bsky.social
@ucflangs.bsky.social
Reposted by UCFL - University Council For Languages
‘2023 polling for the @britishacademy.bsky.social found 71 per cent of Britons would support making language study compulsory in schools.’
Pleased to see this FT editorial makes the case for learning foreign languages
on.ft.com/4mP3rrf
Pleased to see this FT editorial makes the case for learning foreign languages
on.ft.com/4mP3rrf
Lost in translation
Even in the language app era there are benefits to learning a foreign tongue
on.ft.com
August 16, 2025 at 11:15 AM
‘2023 polling for the @britishacademy.bsky.social found 71 per cent of Britons would support making language study compulsory in schools.’
Pleased to see this FT editorial makes the case for learning foreign languages
on.ft.com/4mP3rrf
Pleased to see this FT editorial makes the case for learning foreign languages
on.ft.com/4mP3rrf
Languages and the 2025 A-Level Picture - a blog post by our @ucflangs.bsky.social vice-chair Marcela Cazzoli @marcecazzoli.bsky.social :
👇
university-council-for-languages.org/2025/08/14/l...
👇
university-council-for-languages.org/2025/08/14/l...
Languages and the 2025 A-Level Picture
The British Academy’s look at this year’s A-Level results gives a mixed message for the humanities. Economics and Politics are still drawing in more students, but many other SHAPE subjects are slip…
university-council-for-languages.org
August 14, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Languages and the 2025 A-Level Picture - a blog post by our @ucflangs.bsky.social vice-chair Marcela Cazzoli @marcecazzoli.bsky.social :
👇
university-council-for-languages.org/2025/08/14/l...
👇
university-council-for-languages.org/2025/08/14/l...
Listen below to our @ucflangs.bsky.social Chair
@emmacayley.bsky.social, in conversation with Matt Frei
from LBC News, discussing a recent @hepi-news.bsky.social report on the current crisis in language learning in the UK and the urgent need to address this at policy level 👇🏼
@emmacayley.bsky.social, in conversation with Matt Frei
from LBC News, discussing a recent @hepi-news.bsky.social report on the current crisis in language learning in the UK and the urgent need to address this at policy level 👇🏼
Was pleased to represent @ucflangs.bsky.social on @lbc.co.uk today in conversation with Matt Frei about the crisis for languages & their importance for global Britain, following the @hepi-news.bsky.social report by Megan Bowler. Listen at c.10.50am: www.globalplayer.com/catchup/lbc/...
Matt Frei on LBC UK - Catch Up | Global Player
Catch up on the last 7 days of shows from Matt Frei on LBC UK
www.globalplayer.com
August 2, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Listen below to our @ucflangs.bsky.social Chair
@emmacayley.bsky.social, in conversation with Matt Frei
from LBC News, discussing a recent @hepi-news.bsky.social report on the current crisis in language learning in the UK and the urgent need to address this at policy level 👇🏼
@emmacayley.bsky.social, in conversation with Matt Frei
from LBC News, discussing a recent @hepi-news.bsky.social report on the current crisis in language learning in the UK and the urgent need to address this at policy level 👇🏼
Reposted by UCFL - University Council For Languages
Read UCFL's reaction to the new HEPI report on languages: university-council-for-languages.org/2025/07/31/n...
The recommendations for HE are particularly welcome, as are those around equality of access and social justice. @emmacayley.bsky.social @cforsdick.bsky.social
The recommendations for HE are particularly welcome, as are those around equality of access and social justice. @emmacayley.bsky.social @cforsdick.bsky.social
New HEPI report calls for urgent action on revitalising language learning
UCFL welcomes the release of a new HEPI report, sponsored by Duolingo, that highlights the urgent need for action to support and improve the uptake of languages at school level and beyond. It empha…
university-council-for-languages.org
July 31, 2025 at 10:19 AM
Read UCFL's reaction to the new HEPI report on languages: university-council-for-languages.org/2025/07/31/n...
The recommendations for HE are particularly welcome, as are those around equality of access and social justice. @emmacayley.bsky.social @cforsdick.bsky.social
The recommendations for HE are particularly welcome, as are those around equality of access and social justice. @emmacayley.bsky.social @cforsdick.bsky.social