• Pupils studying French at GCSE falls by 2.2%
• Spanish entries decrease by 5.3%
• Other Modern Languages are down further, by 11.8%
• German entries see an increase of 14.6%
• GCSE language learning entries in Wales overall are down by 1.7% on 2025
Ruth Cocks, Director, British Council Wales, said:
“On behalf of British Council Wales, I’d like to send huge congratulations to all students receiving their GCSE results this week, particularly those who have studied a language.
“It is fantastic to see an increase in the number of young people taking German, and we want to celebrate every learner who has taken the opportunity to develop their language skills.
“While overall GCSE language entries have declined slightly this year, our focus must be on building a strong pipeline of language learners through secondary education and beyond, so that the enthusiasm developed in the early years continues through to A level and university.
“International languages are now a statutory part of the Curriculum for Wales in primary schools, and our latest Language Trends Wales report shows that 80% of participating primary schools are already offering language learning opportunities to their pupils. This gives us a strong foundation to build on, and we hope to see that early enthusiasm continue as these learners progress through their education.
“Schools are also showing how a combination of approaches can make a real difference. From mentoring and creative partnerships to extracurricular activities and opportunities to use languages beyond the classroom, there are inspiring examples across Wales of schools finding new ways to make language learning engaging, relevant and connected to the wider world.
“The return of the Erasmus+ programme will add another exciting dimension, giving learners in Wales more opportunities to experience different countries and cultures first-hand and to see the real-world value of the languages they are learning.
“Learning a language is about so much more than vocabulary or exam grades. It builds confidence, develops cultural understanding and gives young people the ability to connect with people from around the world. By working together to sustain that journey from primary school through to further and higher education, we can give more young people the skills and confidence to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world, while strengthening Wales’ international connections for the future.”