New analysis of national education data reveals a sharp decline in the number of students studying modern foreign languages (MFL) GCSE at a time when parents overwhelmingly believe languages remain essential to a child’s education.
Figures showed between 2004 and 2024, entries fell from 533,000 to 347,000, a 34.89% drop.
This downward trend is now being mirrored at a higher education level, with several universities announcing plans to cut standalone language degrees or merge departments due to falling student numbers.
Yet, according to newly analysed YouGov data by Wycliffe College, London’s appetite for language learning remains strong. When asked “How important is it to teach Modern Foreign Languages at secondary school?”, respondents said:
This means over four fifths (84%) of Londoners believe languages are important, suggesting the public value MFL higher than the current trajectory of provision would indicate.
Mr Ben Urquhart, Head of Modern Foreign Languages at Wycliffe College, warns that the combined impact of declining uptake in schools and university course closures risks creating a long-term skills deficit: “Parents clearly recognise that languages open doors, whether that’s to future careers, cultural understanding, or simply the ability to communicate confidently in an increasingly interconnected world.
“The concern is that as universities scale back language degrees, and fewer young people opt for GCSE or A-level languages, we risk creating a cycle where students have fewer pathways and schools have fewer incentives to invest in high-quality MFL provision.
“If we want to rebuild Britain’s linguistic capability, the solution begins much earlier than university. Families can play a huge role by encouraging curiosity, watching films in other languages, exploring different cultures at home, and framing language learning as a lifelong skill rather than just another exam subject.”
Advice for parents: How to encourage a love for languages
Mr Urquhart offers simple, accessible ways families can spark and sustain interest in languages:
- Make languages part of everyday life – Try using basic greetings or phrases at home to normalise multilingual communication.
- Explore other cultures together – Watch foreign-language films, read translated books, or cook dishes from different countries to build curiosity.
- Highlight the real-world benefits – Talk about careers where languages are an advantage, from business to tourism, diplomacy to the creative industries.
- Celebrate progress, not perfection – Encourage children to see language learning as a journey and praise small achievements.
- Connect learning to travel – If possible, link new vocabulary to holidays or school trips abroad to show the practical value of speaking another language.
With parents strongly in favour of MFL, despite both school uptake and university provision declining, experts warn that the capital risks weakening its future global competitiveness.
Reversing the trend, they say, will require coordinated action, supporting school MFL departments, ensuring strong pathways into higher education, and providing families with tools to keep children engaged.
