Latest News

12 February 2026 (Qualifications Scotland)

Recruitment for the 2026 National Qualification exams is underway, with opportunities available across all subjects and levels including modern languages.

Approximately 11,000 markers are required. Markers play a key role in supporting the exam diet, ensuring the consistent application of national standards. Marking also provides the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge and gather evidence for continuing professional development. Full training and support is provided.

To find out more about the marker role or to apply, please visit the Qualifications Scotland website.

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12 February 2026 (SCILT)

Sustainable Designs for Living and Learning (SDLL) is an interdisciplinary research project led by the University of Glasgow and SCILT at the University of Strathclyde. The project promotes creative and multilingual approaches to Learning for Sustainability, underpinned by ethics of Permaculture: Earth Care, People Care and Fair Share.

We are now moving into Year 2 and are looking for a diverse range of 10 primary schools to work with us. Participating schools will:

• take part in professional learning for teachers
• trial arts-based activities with learners to support languages taught and represented in their classrooms
• collaborate to co-create learning framework
• support learners in developing their language skills and global citizenship

Each school involved will receive £5,000 to support their participation in the project. You can follow SDLL’s progress on our blog and website.

To register your interest, please complete this short form by close of business Friday 27 March 2026.

12 February 2026 (University of Edinburgh)

During February/March the following events relating to Japan are taking place in Edinburgh. Follow the appropriate link for more details/registration:

• Remembered: Hiroshima and Nagasaki Exhibition (16 February - 31 March) - as part of the exhibition there is an Opening Talk and Origami Workshop on 16 February, 4-6pm. Free but registration is required.
• "The Great Wave" Spin Off: The Profound Sound of the Shakuhachi (20 February, 5.30-6.30pm) - this special musical event, a spin-off from the new opera "The Great Wave", will feature a shakuhachi lecture and performance by shakuhachi player Shozan Hasegawa. The lecture will be mainly presented in Japanese with English translations.
  

12 February 2026 (SCILT)

Do you have a story to share with the languages community?

We are currently taking submissions for our spring 2026 newsletter. This is a great opportunity to promote what has been happening in your school or local authority with regard to languages. This is a chance to showcase innovative projects, language learning celebrations or initiatives which have taken place since our last submission date in October. We would love to hear from, or your pupils!

We are looking for articles of a maximum of 300 words, with a couple of colourful photos. The deadline for contributions is Friday 13 March 2026.

Visit our website to read the full submission guidelines, and to view previous editions of the newsletter. Submissions can be sent to scilt@strath.ac.uk. 

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6 February 2026 (The Herald)

Researchers at a Scottish university are to lead a new, multi-million pound research project into language learning in schools, The Herald can exclusively reveal.

The ground-breaking study from the University of Stirling will examine the educational, economic, social and cultural factors that impact on language learning, analysing the different approaches and outcomes in Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

(Note - registration required to access full article)

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10 February 2026 (University of Edinburgh)

Babble, the University of Edinburgh language student magazine, will be delighted to showcase collective essays written by S6 learners from any Scottish schools in its annual supplement from this year onward.

This year's themes will be "friendship" and "nature", so any essays written in Chinese, German, French, Italian or Spanish and related to these are welcomed.

If you want to see what it looks like, take a look at the last Babble supplement.

Deadline: 28 February 2026.

If want to submit an article, please contact Sylvain Blanche at sblanche@ed.ac.uk

6 February 2026 (SCILT)

With Languages Week Scotland 2026 championing diverse voices, common ground, the SCILT/Education Scotland team that brings you Scotland’s Languages Leadership Programme (SLLP) is excited to announce that the very first SLLP Reunion Year will run in academic session 2026-27.

We are keen to support ongoing leadership development with language champions who have been through any iteration of the programme since 2014, whether in person or online, with or without GTCS Professional Recognition. All alums welcome.

From summer 2026 onwards, plans we currently have in the pipeline include:

• Connect and reconnect with the ever-expanding SLLP family
• Continue occasional online twilights in conversation with inspiring speakers
• Publish monthly newsletters, disseminate information and opportunities
• Host in person SLLP Alum get-togethers around the country
• Explore our own language leadership stories through a collaborative enquiry

If you took part in the SLLP (aka 1+2 LLP or TTT) at any time between 2014 and 2024/25 and you wish to join or rejoin the SLLP Alums Network, please email your Glow address to scilt@strath.ac.uk and we will join you to the network’s Team.

Any suggestions you have for other activities, big or small, that you would like to see feature in SLLP Reunion Year 2026-27, please get in touch with the SCILT inbox at the above email.

6 February 2026 (SCILT)

SCILT would love to hear from schools and other organisations about how they celebrated Languages Week Scotland!

Please complete this form with details of your activities, or you can email SCILT (scilt@strath.ac.uk). We will feature all submissions on the Languages Week Scotland website and selected articles in the next SCILT newsletter. It’s a great opportunity to promote the great work you are doing to promote languages!

Visit the Languages Week Scotland website and discover how the Week was celebrated across the country!

6 February 2026 (SCILT)

A reminder to all schools taking part in this year's Mother Tongue Other Tongue (MTOT) multilingual poetry competition that the deadline for entries is on International Mother Language Day - Saturday 21 February 2026.

All registered schools should have received an email outlining the submission process but you can also find all the information you need on our MTOT webpage.

We can't wait to receive your entries!

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6 February 2026 (SCILT)

SCILT is delighted to offer all primary and secondary state schools the opportunity to have a Chinese language assistant teacher in their school/cluster free of charge in 2026-27!

Your teacher could help deliver L3 Mandarin to primary and secondary BGE classes, lead IDL projects such as Eco Learning Partners (ELP) organise live-link ups with Chinese schools, team teach with Virtual Exchange Teachers (VETs), team teach with your own staff, work with small groups for speaking activities, support senior phase learners with preparation for NQs alongside the Discovering China programme. This exciting opportunity could complement or supplement any existing Mandarin provision you have. Having a Mandarin language assistant teacher could revolutionise your L3 provision next year.

For more information contact scilt-chinese@strath.ac.uk for more details.

5 February 2026 (Civil Service Languages Network)

British Council, GCHQ and the Civil Service Languages Network are working together to promote language learning among pupils in UK schools.

Your S2/S3 pupils, who will be choosing their N5s, and S4/S5 students, prior to choosing their Highers/AH, are invited to our open, online events – see dates below. There, they will hear from speakers with different roles across government who have used languages in their career, and how either studying a language in school, or speaking a heritage language, has enriched their life and career. Pupils will have the chance to ask the speakers questions (via their teacher) through a Q&A session.

You can see some example videos here:

Rosemary Pennells (British Embassy Tokyo) S2/S3

Nerys Jones (British Embassy Berlin) S4/S5 Government Languages Outreach talk

The online events are free of charge, and if you are unable to attend the events, there are recordings which you can use instead.

To express interest, and help us keep in touch, please complete the form

We look forward to welcoming your pupils to our events!

Spring term 2026:

S2/S3 - Tuesday 10 February, 09:15-10:15

Summer term 2026:

S2/S3 - Monday 29 June, 09:00-10:00

S4/S5 - Wednesday 1 July, 09:00-10:00

Future events are also planned for both age categories during the Autumn term and into 2027. These can also be seen/selected via the expression of interest form.

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5 February 2026 (British Council)

The second annual Language Trends Scotland report surveyed nearly 300 schools across 29 of Scotland's 32 local authorities to provide an independent picture of modern language provision from primary through secondary education.

Key findings from the 2025-26 report reveal a mixed picture. There are strong foundations to build on: 99 per cent of primary schools are now teaching languages, and the proportion of S1 learners studying more than one language has jumped from 52 to 63 per cent. Higher entries in French, German and Spanish have risen for the second consecutive year. Yet structural barriers are increasing and 59 per cent of responding local authority secondary schools do not run classes if numbers are too low (up from 52 per cent last year), and this affects schools in the most deprived areas most.

Related articles:

Language learning on the rise in Scottish schools despite structural barriers, report finds (British Council, 4 February 2026)

Pupils in deprived areas miss out on language lessons despite demand (The Scotsman, 5 February 2026)

Report finds Scotland well placed to boost language learning (The Herald, 5 February 2026)  Note - registration required to access the full article.

‘Excellent foundation’ for languages in Scottish schools (TES, 5 February 2026) - subscription required to access full article.

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5 February 2026 (Alliance Française)

The Alliance Française in Glasgow offers a wide range of French courses for adults, children and teens. Registration is now open for courses taking place February-March. Follow the appropriate ink to find out more and to sign up:

• Adult conversation and revision courses
• Exam preparation courses (for National 5 and Higher students of French)
• DELF/DALF exams and preparation courses

Visit the Alliance Française Glasgow website for more information about all the activities they provide.

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5 February 2026 (Consejería de Educación)

The Spanish Education Office reminds teachers of its wide range of resources and opportunities for teachers and learners of Spanish, available during Languages Week and throughout the year.

You can find out more in the attached documents.

5 January 2026 (SCILT)

TOIIS is a professional network for teachers of Italian working in schools across Scotland. Join to receive updates on online network meetings, our first in-person event in February, and other opportunities, resources and news to support Italian teaching.

4 February 2026 (The Guardian)

Bad Bunny is expected to perform the Super Bowl half-time show on Sunday entirely in Spanish – which has inspired fans to quickly learn the language.

In October, the Puerto Rican singer – born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio – kicked off the 51st season of Saturday Night Live expressing pride over the achievement in Spanish, after which he said in English, “If you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn!”

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4 February 2026 (Daily Record)

A West Lothian teacher is championing language learning across the area.

From February 2 to 6, schools, nurseries, families, and communities across Scotland are celebrating Languages Week Scotland 2026, a national event highlighting the joy, value, and power of language learning.

This year’s theme, “Diverse voices, common ground”, focuses on how languages help us connect, share stories, and understand one another.

In Livingston, local French teacher Sandra Kasparek is leading the way, helping children thrive in language learning and ensuring that the pressures facing Scottish schools don’t hold her pupils back.

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3 February 2026 (Scottish Book Trust)

Each month the Scottish Book Trust invites writers of all ages to submit a story of no more than 50 words on a particular theme.

This month entrants must write a story about a fox. There is a category for entries in Gaelic. Submission deadline: 24 February.

Visit the Scottish Book Trust website for full details.

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3 February 2026 (UK-German Connection)

UK-German Connection offers a range of activities and funding to support partnerships between schools in the UK and Germany. Follow the appropriate link below to find out more about their current initiatives:

• School partnerships bursaries - UK schools and colleges can apply for up to £1000 in funding to support direct contact and collaborative engagement between the young people from both countries. Apply by 16 February 2026.
• Funding - Grants are available on a rolling deadline for schools and youth groups with a partner in Germany for planning visits and joint thematic projects.
• German Pupil Courses 2026 - Year 10 and Year 12 pupils (and equivalent in Scotland and Northern Ireland) can spend two immersive weeks experiencing life in Germany whilst enhancing their cultural knowledge and language skills. Apply by 4 March 2026.
• German Pupil Course Group Leaders - Secondary teachers of German can also experience the immersion and excitement by acting as Group Leader. This paid role involves accompanying a group of motivated young people to Germany whilst engaging in international professional development and enhancing your leadership skills.

Visit the UK-German Connection website to find out about all the activities they provide.

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3 February 2026 (Japan Foundation)

The latest JFF Theater line-up is here. Watch a fantastic new selection of Japanese films online for free!

Visit the JFF Theater website for full details.

Knowing me, Knowing you, the Japan Foundation's Touring Film Programme 2026 is also kicking off this week. Running from 6 February to 31 March visit the Touring Film Programme website for details of what's screening near you!

3 February 2026 (Japan Foundation)

Applications for JaLaChamp 2026 are still open! JaLaChamp, or Japanese Language Championship for Young Learners UK, is a contest for primary and secondary school students studying Japanese.

There are two categories with two different application deadlines:

• The Speech Category for secondary school students studying Japanese: Deadline: Tuesday 3 March, 3pm
• The Video Category for primary and secondary school students, including those studying Japanese at all levels and heritage language speakers: Deadline: Tuesday 10 March, 3pm

Visit the Japan Foundation website to find out more about this year's contest and to apply.

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2 February 2026 (Schools Week)

The late Professor Eric Hawkins once said that in language education, “we are seeking to light fires of curiosity about the central human characteristic of language, which will blaze throughout our pupils’ lives”.

The Department for Education would do well to inscribe this as their motto as they work to draft the new core content for KS2 languages.

In the most recent GCSE reforms a focus on Eurocentric, high-frequency word lists failed to address the engagement crisis in languages.

While a carefully considered word list may provide the firewood for language learning in primary, a great primary curriculum will also need culture and contact to spark and sustain children’s interest.

Last year, more than 200 of our year 5 and 6 pupils passed the internationally recognised Youth Chinese Test Level 1, and our students regularly reach the national finals and win medals at the Chinese Bridge Primary Speaking Contest.

It’s satisfying to see so many start with no knowledge of Mandarin and make clear progress in vocabulary, grammar and phonics.

These three “building blocks” are essential – but they’re not enough. To keep motivation alive, pupils need a strong sense of why. And that’s where culture and contact come in.

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1 February 2026 (ILCS)

Last week the Institute of Languages, Cultures and Societies held a fantastic 'Thinking Strategically' event, exploring the possibilities of universities working in multi-year partnerships with local schools and looking at the possibilities available to languages departments to do meaningful outreach and recruitment.

Catch up now with the recording.

Read more...

30 January 2026 (SCILT)

Discover the World of Arabic with your P5-P7 class!

Imagine your pupils confidently greeting each other in Arabic, exploring ancient souks through virtual tours, or discovering the fascinating science and stories of the Arab world. This immersive experience is within easy reach for your classroom.

SCILT, in partnership with QFI, have now opened registrations to local authority primary schools for our Discovering the World of Arabic programme in 2026-27. Designed specifically for P5-P7 learners in Scotland, this programme makes introducing a critical world language engaging, effective, and simple for teachers.

Why Choose This Programme for Your Class?

• Engage with a Global Language: Give your learners a solid foundation in the world’s 5th most spoken language, opening doors to future opportunities.
• Truly Interdisciplinary Learning: Our 10-week blocks are more than vocabulary. Pupils explore Arab cultures, geography, history, and arts, enriching your classroom’s global perspective.
• Built for Teachers, by Teachers: All courses are developed and delivered by experienced, fluent Arabic-speaking teachers. We provide the expertise so you can enjoy the learning journey alongside your class.
• Flexible & Supported: Choose a beginner or post-beginner course, and select a term that suits you (Term 1: Sep-Dec or Term 2: Jan-Mar). Live lessons are scheduled on Thursdays or Fridays.

Participating primary schools will receive:

• Weekly live, interactive online lessons via Glow Teams.
• A loan box of authentic artefacts to bring culture to life in your classroom.
• Asynchronous materials on Glow Teams for consolidation and flexibility.
• Dedicated funding: New schools receive a start-up grant of £1000, and returning schools get continuation funding of £500. Schools can bid for further funding to provide resources and experiences that enhance the language learning and promote a positive experience of Arab cultures.
• Ongoing support from the SCILT Arabic team.

Don’t just take our word for it:

“The materials... were great, the workbooks were very useful. The mix of live and recorded sessions was a good idea.” – Participating Teacher

“We really like the box of resources. We liked learning about the different colours and clothes!” – Pupil Feedback

To secure this unique opportunity for your pupils, please complete our short Registration of Interest Form by Friday, 24 April 2026. Please email us at SCILT-Arabic@strath.ac.uk  if you have any questions. 

Open the door to curiosity, connection, and global skills for your class. We can’t wait to learn with you!

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30 January 2026 (SCILT)

For Secondary Schools: Discover the World of Arabic in 2026/27!

SCILT, in partnership with QFI, has now opened registrations to local authority secondary schools for our Discovering the World of Arabic programme 2026-27. With courses designed specifically for BGE and Senior Phase learners, this programme offers a chance to engage in a truly unique and valuable L3 experience.

Why Arabic? Why Now?

Arabic is the world’s fifth most spoken language, a key to a region of immense cultural, economic, and geopolitical significance. Our programme moves beyond textbooks to develop practical, conversational skills that enhance global awareness and, for Senior Phase learners, boost employability and university portfolios.

Choose what best fits your timetable:

• BGE or Senior Phase Course (Sept-Mar): A deeper, skill-building journey co-created with language specialists.
• Shorter Introductory Course (8 weeks, by arrangement): A perfect taster to ignite interest in Arabic language and cultures.

Participating schools will receive:

• Live Lessons: A dedicated, weekly online lesson with highly experienced and qualified Arabic teachers via Glow Teams, scheduled at a mutually agreed time.
• Engaging Asynchronous Materials: Flexible resources to consolidate learning and encourage independent exploration.
• Dedicated funding: New schools receive a start-up grant of £1000, and returning schools get continuation funding of £500. Schools can bid for further funding to provide resources and experiences that enhance the language learning and promote a positive experience of Arab cultures.
• Future-Ready Skills: Focus on conversational ability and cultural insight, preparing learners for a globalised world.

Our courses are designed for non-heritage, beginner learners seeking to stand out. Whether starting with our Beginner course or advancing with the Post-Beginner level, learners build a solid linguistic foundation while exploring the vibrant diversity of Arab cultures.

To apply, please complete our Registration of Interest Form by Friday, 24 April 2026. Please email us at SCILT-Arabic@strath.ac.uk  if you have any questions. 

Expand your learners’ language skills and build their intercultural competence. Start their Arabic journey with us!

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29 January 2026 (British Council)

This unique programme from the British Council supports UK schools to build lasting international partnerships with schools in Ukraine, and explore reading as a tool to expand horizons, build confidence and boost mental wellbeing.

Schools work together on activities to encourage reading for pleasure, building an understanding of each other’s cultures through a common love for reading.

The programme offers full support and resources, including specialist resources on the theme of reading for pleasure and Ukrainian language and culture, created by the British Council and the National Literacy Trust.  

Visit the British Council website for more information and to apply by 2 March 2026.

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29 January 2026 (British Council)

Nothing brings learning to life like working with schools in other countries.

Whether you want to increase understanding of global issues or enhance language learning, a school partnership can help you better engage pupils, reinforce existing projects, introduce new teaching approaches and, ultimately, improve learner outcomes.

The British Council offers a range of resources, guidance and learning opportunities for every step of your partnership journey – whether you’re looking for a partner or want to take an existing partnership to the next level.

Let us help you find a partner, choose a project and start engaging students in global learning today!

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29 January 2026 (British Council)

Each February, as part of British Council's Festival of Languages, we invite pupils to Celebrate Speaking.

Encourage your pupils to showcase their language skills by posting a short video of them singing, talking or reciting in a language they are learning at school or one they speak in their community on social media.

Remember to use #CelebrateSpeaking so we can see your contribution!

Find out more on the British Council website.

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29 January 2026 (UK-German Connection)

These bursaries support schools in keeping UK-German partnerships alive through direct contact and collaborative engagement between young people. Schools (primary, secondary, SEN) and FE colleges can apply, and activities must take place between 1 April 2026 and 31 July 2026.

Application deadline: 16 February 2026.

Visit the UK-German Connection website for further information and guidelines.

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29 January 2026 (SCILT)

Scottish schools can now register interest in the next block of the Mandarin Virtual Exchange Teacher programme, beginning w/c Monday 27 April until w/c Monday 15 June. Over eight weeks, classes will be allocated a pair of student teachers who will work with their class to delivery weekly live streamed Mandarin lessons. The project provides classes for beginner level 1, 2, & 3. The courses are suitable as L3 provision for BGE pupils in P5-7, as well as being suitable for Secondary BGE learners.

There will be an online information meeting (with a choice of two dates in February/March), to give an overview of the course and what is required of Scottish class teachers. Attendance at an information meeting is a requirement to participate in the programme, with the exception of teachers who have previously attended an information session and/or taken part in the VET programme within the last year. Teachers who are new to the programme are required to attend the meeting, even if the school has taken part previously.

Interested teachers should fill out the registration form. More information about the programme can be found on the SCILT website, or via the attached flyer, and any questions can be directed to scilt-chinese@strath.ac.uk.

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29 January 2026 (ISPS)

International School Partnerships Scotland (ISPS) are delighted to be working with Challenges Abroad to introduce exciting overseas opportunities for senior phase learners across Scotland. Programmes with Challenges Abroad cover a range of skills development in line with national SDE, Global Citizenship and Language Learning priorities. Placements can include studying with partner schools, working on community action projects, sustainability challenges, teaching and more.

Challenges Abroad offer full support to schools who want to apply for UK Government funding to enable learners with fewer opportunities to benefit from these life changing international experiences. There’s a helpful guide to Turing Scheme funding for 2026/27, covering everything from eligibility to full project management support. Get in touch to discuss how Challenges Abroad can help get your bid in shape before the March deadline! See the Challenges Abroad Turing Scheme website for details.

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29 January 2026 (SCILT)

Pupils from the project’s partner primary schools have recently showcased remarkable talent in the SDLL project logo competition. Children of all ages from Cradlehall, Thornwood and West primary schools were set a design brief to create the project’s official logo, and they responded with an inspiring display of creativity, colour, and artistic flair. Approximately 100 imaginative entries were submitted.

The judging panel faced a tough challenge selecting a winner, praising the high quality and originality seen across all submissions. Designs ranged from bold graphic symbols to thoughtful illustrations that captured the spirit and values of the SDLL project.

As with every competition, there can only be one winner. The winning design, created by a group of P6 children at Thornwood Primary School in Glasgow, stood out for its strong concept and visual impact and the judging panel was unanimous in its decision. One member of the panel, Simon Cunningham. Senior Graphic Designer at the University of Strathclyde, took the original design and has now transformed the child’s artwork into a professional, digitised logo that will represent the project going forward.

To celebrate the imagination, skill, and creativity of the children who took part in the logo competition, SCILT will host an exhibition of the children’s artwork during Languages Week Scotland 2026 (2 – 6 February). The exhibition will be located on Level 2 of the Lord Hope building in the University of Strathclyde. Thereafter, it will move to the University of Glasgow and will be on display towards the end of February. Come and admire the artistry on display!

For regular updates about the project, please visit the SDLL blog. 

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29 January 2026 (SCILT)

We have not one but two exciting events coming up for you!

1. Monday 23 February @ 4.15 – 5.15: Join us for the online launch of our new French teachers' association for primary, secondary and tertiary education in Scotland! Come along to meet one another and discuss plans for the Teachers of French in Scotland association, otherwise known as TOFIS! Sign up on Eventbrite.

2. Monday 22 June @ University of Aberdeen: save the date and venue for the third edition of The Future of French en Écosse forum! More information and registration link to follow soon.

29 January 2026 (SCILT)

Francofoot and Calciamo are our exciting football-themed resources and national competitions in French and Italian for learners in S2 and S3 – what better way to build up to Scotland’s glorious World Cup campaign?!

Our competition webpage has been updated with lots of new information and advice, including details of last year’s event, examples of entries and a quick start guide to help you plan and organise your participation. A full report on the pilot project last year will also be published soon.

Check out the webpage and see the flyer below!

Read more...

28 January 2026 (BBC)

Taxi drivers and their passengers in Lewis and Harris are being encouraged to speak to each other in Gaelic.

A pilot scheme by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar will see signs installed in taxis indicating that the driver is willing and able to speak Gaelic.

It is hoped it will help in normalising the use of the language in community settings.

Read more...

22 January 2026 (UK Government)

Applications for this year of the Turing Scheme will open at 12pm noon on Monday 26 January. The deadline for applications will be 4pm on Monday 16 March.

Supporting new and returning applicants for funding

YouTube videos and Q&A webinars are now available for viewing and signing up to. These will be available on the DfE Sector Comms YouTube channel: DfE Sector Comms - YouTube.

An introduction to the Turing Scheme for 2026-27

The introduction to the Turing Scheme videos are aimed at providers and staff within providers who have not previously applied for Turing Scheme funding for Higher Education. There is one for each sector. Potential applicants should watch those relevant to the sector(s) they are considering applying for funding under:

An introduction to the Turing Scheme for 2026-27 for Schools

An introduction to the Turing Scheme for 2026-27 for further education

An introduction to the Turing Scheme for 2026-27 for Higher Education

Changes to the Turing Scheme for 2026-27

This video provides an overview of changes to the policy and assessment of applications for the Turing Scheme in the 2026-27 academic year. It is intended for those familiar with the operation of the Scheme and covers all sectors:

Changes to the Turing Scheme for 2026-27

Turing Scheme 2026-27 Applying and Assessment

This video covers the application journey and key dates, what to include in your application, how assessment works and what strong responses look like.

Providers should watch this video after viewing the relevant Introduction to the Turing Scheme for 2026-27 (if they are new to the Scheme) or Changes to the Turing Scheme for 2026-27 (if they are already familiar with the Scheme).

Turing Scheme 2026-27 Applying and Assessment

There will also be a live Q&A webinar for each sector. Providers can sign up to the Q&A webinar for your sector(s) on Eventbrite.

Recordings of these live webinars will be made available on YouTube following these events.

Further guidance on the Turing Scheme is available on the UK government website.

Read more...

20 January 2026 (The Guardian)

Concentrated among 1,000 people in the remote Daliwe valley, siPhuthi has gained a dictionary, a Bible translation and official recognition thanks to intrepid linguists and activists.

Tsotleho Mohale was addressing a group of people gathered on a mountainside still damp from an intense rainstorm that morning. The peaks on the other side of the steep valley were draped in cloud. Mohale was speaking in siPhuthi, a language spoken by just a few thousand people in parts of southern Lesotho and the north of South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, about the plants he used and the ailments he cured as a traditional healer.

The questions came from Sheena Shah, a British linguist, and were translated into siPhuthi by Mohale’s grandson Atlehang. Shah’s German colleague Matthias Brenzinger was filming the exchange. The two academics have been travelling regularly to Daliwe, a remote valley in Lesotho about 15 miles from the nearest paved road, since 2016, working with local interpreters and activists to document siPhuthi.

Observing the encounter was a senior healer, Mathabang Hlaela. Initially she had refused to be interviewed, wary of foreigners stealing knowledge that she had been amassing since 1978. But after briefly disappearing into her corrugated iron hut, she re-emerged adorned with beads – a thick belt, headbands and multistringed necklaces – and declared that she too wanted to be interviewed in her native language.

While siPhuthi remains under threat from the dominant Sesotho in Lesotho and Xhosa across the border in South Africa, it has undergone a remarkable revival.

Read more...

20 January 2026 (NE Festival of Languages)

The annual North East Festival of Languages is well underway!

Taking place 6 January to 31 March there's a wide range of FREE events and activities available for children and young people aged 3-18. Whilst some of the initiatives are only open to schools based in the North East of England, there are many online activities, competitions and celebrations available to schools across the UK. Design a German Karneval mask, help Ursa Lingua the polar bear escape from a castle, explore multilingualism and migration, open a culture box of Asian and Chinese arts and culture, dive into African languages and cultures, engage with food on film and digital stories from around the world, immerse yourselves in Afro-Ecuadorian fairytales, access World Cup French lessons or Spanish Cinema in the classroom or have fun with Japanese and French Puppet Shows...there's something for everyone! 

Visit the Festival website for full programme details. You can also explore the Festival offerings by age, category or language.

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20 January 2026 (Languagenut)

Languagenut is proud to host the Euroquiz vocab again on our platform, designed specifically to help Scottish primary schools prepare for the annual Euroquiz competition.

Last year, we had the opportunity to attend the quiz and hear firsthand from teachers and pupils about how invaluable it was to have the key vocabulary on our platform. The interactive, multisensory tools on Languagenut make it easy for learners to practice and master the vocabulary they need for the quiz rounds. With personalised learning pathways, they can progress at their own pace and feel fully prepared for the challenge.

For more information or for a full demo, please contact: ana@languagenut.com

15 January 2026 (SCILT)

SCILT’s 2025-26 menu of professional learning workshops is available to book throughout the year.

Free to book for groups of primary or secondary teachers working in local authority schools. Sessions are designed and facilitated by our friendly and experienced Professional Development Officers.  

Select a workshop from the menu below, or request a bespoke input tailored to your audience – the choice is yours. Choose your workshop theme(s), pick your dates and submit your workshop request. We’ll confirm arrangements with you promptly.  

These workshops offer a chance for groups of colleagues to dive into professional learning that explores engaging language pedagogies and examples of current practice.  

Requests from professional learning leads in schools, clusters, local authorities and SCIS welcomed all year round.

Primary 

• Developing a multilingual ethos in your primary school
• First steps in teaching primary languages
• Next steps in teaching primary languages
• Assessment as learning in primary languages
• Getting outdoors with primary languages

Secondary

• Teaching Sprints – Small change, big impact
• Developing a multilingual and multicultural ethos
• BYOW: Build Your Own Workshop!
• The Big Question

For workshop descriptors, and to book one or more session for the group of teachers that you support, find the link to the professional learning request form below.

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13 January 2026 (Seachdain na Gàidhlig)

Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) is set to grow for the fifth consecutive year as it launches its funded programme of events.

Taking place from 23 February – 1 March 2026, the annual initiative is this year supporting 63 projects and events, with hundreds more expected to be staged across the week with everything from film screening and bingo to dance and walking events, all with the Gaelic language at their heart.

The 2026 theme, Use It or Lose It (Cleachd i no caill i), emphasises the importance of actively using Gaelic to keep it thriving. So visit the Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) website to find out what's happening and how to get involved!

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6 January 2026 (British Council)

According to the Chinese Lunar Calendar, the Year of the Horse begins on 17 February 2026. This education pack for primary schools offers a rich collection of information and activities to help teachers and pupils explore this vibrant spring festival and discover more about Chinese language and culture. The pack is designed for pupils aged 7 to 11 but can adapted for older or younger pupils.

Your pupils can learn to count in Mandarin, uncover fascinating facts about the symbolism of horses in Chinese art and culture, and explore the world of Chinese tangram puzzles. Creative activities invite pupils to make their own versions of a traditional Chinese scroll painting and to design hobby horse heads inspired by paper-cutting traditions found across China.

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6 January 2026 (Goethe-Institut)

The German Film Festival in Scotland is celebrating its 10th anniversary. From 21 January to 22 February 2026, we will be presenting a diverse and exciting selection of German films covering a wide range of topics and genres. We are particularly delighted to be working with our guest curator for 2026, Rastko Novaković, whose programme ‘Women: Words and Worlds’ takes us on a journey through more than 10 decades of cinematic storytelling in 10 films. Rastko has drawn on the film catalogues of the Goethe-Institut, the DEFA Foundation and the Werner Herzog Foundation to condense his unique view of cinema from Germany for us.

In addition, the festival also offers a selection of three films specifically for younger audiences and school screenings. All films will be shown in their original language with English subtitles in participating independent cinemas throughout Scotland.

Visit the Goethe-Institut website for full programme details.

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12 December 2025 (King's College London)

The 2026 writing competitions run by the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures at King’s College London have now launched!

There are four competitions relating to the following subject areas:

• French
• German
• Spanish & Portuguese
• Comparative Literature

Entries are welcomed from students in Year 12 or 13 (or equivalent). Students may be studying for their A-levels, International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers or an equivalent qualification.

The deadline for submission of entries is 23 February 2026.

Visit the website for full details and entry forms.

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9 December 2025 (NE Festival of Languages)

Taking place 6 January to 31 March the annual North East Festival of Languages is now open for advance registrations with FREE events and activities for children and young people aged 3-18.

Whilst some of the initiatives are only open to schools based in the North East of England, there are many online activities available to schools across the UK.

Visit the Festival website for full programme details. You can also explore the Festival offerings by age, category or language.

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5 December 2025 (SCILT)

Bookings are now open for four in person workshops for in- and pre-service primary teachers. Taking place at, or close to SCILT HQ in central Glasgow, each workshop focuses on a different aspect of pedagogy. Our experienced Professional Development Officers and enthusiastic invited speakers support you to develop practice related to the home and taught languages in your context. 

Informed by the latest guidance and examples of current practice.

• 24 February - Developing a multilingual ethos in your primary school
• 18 March - First steps in teaching primary languages
• 23 April - Next steps in teaching primary languages
• 19 May - Getting outdoors with primary languages

Registrations for all workshops are open now via the links above. Please also see attached flyer which can be shared with your networks. 

13 November 2025 (Bilingualism Matters)

Do you teach or work in a primary school in Scotland?

We are inviting you to take part in our survey, exploring how we support multilingualism and learning for sustainability. Could these two topics be integrated? How might they complement each other?

By sharing your ideas, views and experiences, you will help us understand the challenges that teachers face, as well as shedding light on the many great examples of good practice and innovation that happen every day.

• It takes 10-15 minutes to complete
• Survey closing date extended to 14 February 2026

The survey is part of a project called Sustainable Designs for Living and Learning (click to find out more).

Click the link below to complete the survey. Thank you!

Take the survey

25 September 2025 (Seachdain na Gàidhlig | World Gaelic Week)

Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week), will take place Monday 23 February to Sunday 1 March 2026.

This year’s theme is 'Cleachd i no caill i' (Use it or lose it), and we’d be delighted if you would join us in celebrating Gaelic across Scotland and around the world.

Information sessions

If you’re curious about how to get involved, we are hosting free online sessions for anyone wishing to find out more about the week. Whether you’re planning an event, applying to the Small Grants Fund, or just want to learn what’s happening, these sessions are the best place to start.

Register here → Seisean fiosrachaidh • Information Session

Small Grants Fund

Thanks to continued support from Bòrd na Gàidhlig, our Small Grants Fund is open once again. Awards of up to £500 are available to support projects and events taking place during Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2026. Applications should show how they reflect this year’s theme.

• Deadline: Friday 31 October 2025
• Read the guidance
• Apply online

Schools programme

We’ll once again be offering a series of free, interactive online sessions for schools. These have proved hugely popular, with thousands of pupils taking part each year. Teachers can find details and book via our website. 

Stay connected

Our posts will be over on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter and Instagram (@sngaidhlig) - we’d really appreciate if you could give them a share/like and use #SeachdainNaGàidhlig2026. 

Our website is now fully updated with resources, ideas, and this year’s theme. We’d encourage you to take a look, download materials, and share them with your networks.

• Visit the website
• Subscribe to our newsletter 

We very much hope you’ll be part of Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2026 - whether by hosting an event, taking part in our schools programme, or spreading the word in your community.

5 September 2025 (SCILT)

SCILT’s ECT Primary Languages Signpost Sessions are online, free of charge and open to newly or recently qualified primary teachers working in Scottish schools and to student primary teachers studying at Scottish universities.

Our Signpost Sessions are for you if are looking for:

• advice on how to support multilingual pupils and their families
• strategies for teaching additional languages
• the chance to network informally with others at a similar career stage from across the country

Each Signpost Session is themed, informal and will point you in the right direction for free resources, up-to-date guidance and practical teaching ideas. Sign up for as many sessions as you like:

• Wednesday 24 September, 16:00–17:00 - Developing a multilingual ethos in your primary class
• Wednesday 26 November, 16:00–16:45 - First steps in teaching primary languages
• Wednesday 28 January, 16:00 -16:45 - Digital tools for primary languages
• Wednesday 25 March, 16:00–16:45 - Getting outdoors with primary languages
• Wednesday 27 May, 16:00–16:45 - Next steps in teaching primary languages

Registration closes two days before each session, and the online link to join via MS Teams will be sent out one day in advance. These sessions will not be recorded.

Register via the link below. Please also find attached flyer which can be shared with colleagues. 

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4 September 2025 (SCILT/DYWLive/eSgoil)

We are delighted to be working together with e-Sgoil and DYW Live again this year to deliver the Languages and Your Career webinar. In this fully interactive session we will explore how languages can contribute to success in a wide range of jobs and career paths. We aim to introduce secondary learners to the importance of languages and their associated skills in the workplace, break down stereotypes of careers that use languages, identify appropriate career pathways, and hear examples of people who use languages in their daily work.

The Languages and Your Career workshop will be repeated each month on different days and times from September until March, linking with key focus weeks in the calendar. All dates are now available to book:

• Wednesday 17 September @ 10.00
• Friday 3 October @ 11.00
• Tuesday 11 November @ 2.00 (Scottish Careers Week)
• Monday 8 December @ 10.00
• Thursday 15 January @ 11.00
• Wednesday 4 February @ 2.00 (Languages Week Scotland)
• Tuesday 3 March @ 10.00

Sessions will take place in Glow Teams; we hope to see you there!

For more information and registration details, see the e-Sgoil website.

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