Language Hub Schools

Promote language learning across England

The Language Hubs programme, led by the National Consortium for Languages Education (NCLE), aims to encourage more pupils to study a language at GCSE level. Evidence shows that pupils who do so are more likely to study that language at A level and have a lifelong interest in languages. The Hub School Programme is a sister initiative of the Goethe-Institut's GIMAGINE programme and is led by NCLE partner University College London (UCL).

Hub Schools across England

The National Consortium for Languages Education (NCLE), has announced its first Language Hubs, which will work to reenergise language learning in schools across England.

Become a Language Hub School in 2024

If you would like to be considered for the second phase of the Lead Hub School recruitment to take place in early 2024, please register your interest with our NCLE Partner, the University College London. If you have any queries regarding the Hub School Programme please email: ioe.ncle@ac.uk.

St. Paul's Cathedral. Image for illustration. © Unsplash / B. Wicks

Hub Schools will boost language learning across England

The Language Hubs initiative is the next step in the rollout of the Government’s flagship Language Hubs programme, which will raise national interest in studying languages and drive more pupils to study them throughout their education from primary schools onwards. Thousands more pupils are set to benefit from learning languages such as German, French and Spanish, as the Language Hub School Programme is set to lead on boosting how these subjects are taught across the country.

In an increasingly interconnected world, language skills are essential to business success in the global marketplace. Data from this year’s GCSE entries showed that modern foreign languages have become increasingly popular as a subject, with a 5.1% increase in GCSE entries in 2023 compared to last year and a 9.2% increase compared to 2019. Schools Minister Nick Gibb says: 

“Young people who are confident in a second language are at a huge advantage in life. On top of the social and cultural advantages it provides, there are many economic benefits of learning another language. That is why I have long called for more pupils to consider studying languages such as German at GCSE and this programme will crucially equip teachers with the necessary training and knowledge to support pupils looking to do so.”

The Language Hub School Programme is an initiative of the National Consortium for Language Education (NCLE), under the lead of the University College London. Excerpts of the here-issued information were first published by UCL under the title, “More pupils of all ages to study languages”

Learn more about

our GIMAGINE initiatives

From student exchange programmes to professional expert mentoring, GIMAGINE offers a wealth of initiatives for teachers, learners, and institutions. Learn more about how we can help you find the motivation to learn and teach German as a foreign language.

Get free professional coaching at your school

Our German Expert Mentors (GEMs) Network delivers support to German departments and professional upskilling to German teachers in schools across England. Part of a nationwide network, our GEMs will coach and mentor language-teaching professionals, supply updated teaching resources and materials, and re-energise language learning with free-of-charge, bespoke offers that can be tailored to individual needs upon request. 

Picture GEM © Canva

Logo: GIMAGINE project