Delivering Excellence in Modern Foreign Languages Conference 2026
Past Supporters include:
Overview
Despite the clear cultural, social and economic benefits of multilingualism, MFL education in the UK faces significant and growing challenges. The removal of the EBacc following the Francis Curriculum Review presents a challenge and opportunity to improve MFL uptake at GCSE level. Reversing the reduction in MFL uptake at both GCSE and A-Level will require a coordinated approach that strengthens pathways from primary to post-16 education, improves curriculum delivery, and expands meaningful opportunities for learners both inside and outside the classroom.
2026 Agenda
Registration
Chair’s Opening Remarks
Julie Sutcliffe, Education Development Lead (MFL), Global School Alliance (CONFIRMED)
Keynote: The Future of Teaching MFL
- Outlining the major challenges for MFL uptake and student engagement across all phases
- Understanding current and upcoming changes to the MFL curriculum and examinations
- Highlighting the wider benefits of language learning such as economic development, social cohesion, and culture
- Identifying opportunities to strengthen pathways into advanced study and careers
Tonia Antoniazzi MP, Chair, Modern Languages APPG (invited)
Case study: International Engagement in Schools
- Strategies for creating international engagement and cross-cultural learning experiences in schools
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The importance of international engagement for motivation in language learning
- Modern language assistants: Strategies for utilising language assistants to increase MFL engagement amongst students
- Schools connect: Guidance on connecting effectively with international schools to generate lasting and impactful partnerships
Vicky Gough, Lead for Modern Foreign Languages, British Council & Chair, London City of Languages (CONFIRMED)
Keynote: Harnessing Technology: AI, Apps and Digital Tools to Transform MFL Learning
- In this practical live keynote, Joe Dale demonstrates how AI can support engagement, reduce workload and create personalised MFL resources in minutes. Using GDPR-compliant workflows built from audience input, he will show:- Live creation of an AI-powered Padlet to explore how teachers personalise vocabulary, feedback and speaking- Instant generation of an illustrated text with Google Gemini Storybook and rapid export to PowerPoint- How NotebookLM can produce a tailored video overview to support reflection and progress monitoring- Simple strategies for choosing safe, age-appropriate and high-impact AI tools without digital overload- A fast-paced session showcasing how MFL teachers can use AI confidently, creatively and responsibly.
Joe Dale, NCLE AI Project Lead, National Consortium for Languages Education (CONFIRMED)
Questions & Answers
Comfort Break
Case Study: Creating Supportive MFL Classrooms that Build Speaking Confidence
- Outlining the benefits of focusing on speaking both for assessment and long term engagement with languages
- Using structured speaking routines, role-plays and oracy-focused activities to embed meaningful communication practice
- Reducing speaking anxiety through clear scaffolds, modelling, and supportive peer interactions
- Developing assessment approaches that value progress, fluency and confidence, building long-term motivation to speak in the target language
Vicki Goodman, Primary MFL Coordinator, London Borough of Merton and French Teacher Lead Practitioner, Wimbledon Park Primary School (CONFIRMED)
Keynote: Building a Whole-School Commitment to Languages
- Identifying leadership strategies to embed languages across school culture including cross-subject collaboration
- Building staff confidence and collective ownership of MFL success
- Aligning curriculum, assessment and extracurricular provision
- Strengthening long-term learner motivation through school-wide initiatives
Anna Leaman, Director, EAL Inclusive (invited)
Case Study: Promoting Long Term Engagement with MFL
- Creating consistent exposure to languages across the school year
- Embedding cultural experiences to strengthen curiosity and motivation
- Encouraging student ownership through authentic communication activities
- Developing progression pathways that sustain interest from KS2–KS5
Esmeralda Salgado, Head of MFL & Lead Practitioner, Princes Risborough School (CONFIRMED)
Questions & Answers
Lunch Break
Breakout Networking
Case Study: Empowering and Supporting MFL Staff for Sustainable Success
- Diagnosing departmental needs and rebuilding collaborative team culture
- Supporting teachers through targeted CPD and shared planning
- Streamlining workload through effective curriculum design
- Creating positive professional environments that improve retention
Catherine Warwick, Head of Modern Foreign Languages, Trinity Multi-Academy Trust (CONFIRMED)
Keynote: Removing Barriers: Effective Strategies for Teaching SEND Learners
- Understanding barriers to language learning for SEND pupils
- Designing inclusive resources that reduce cognitive load
- Building accessible routines that strengthen recall and confidence
- Collaborating with SEN teams to ensure joined-up provision
Questions & Answers
Comfort Break
Case Study: Practical Approaches for Mixed-Ability MFL Classrooms
- Strategies for adapting activities and learning objectives for a range of abilities
- Designing tasks with clear challenge levels and scaffolded success criteria
- Using formative assessment to guide differentiation
- Implementing classroom routines that support autonomy and mixed-ability collaboration
Witold Wozniak, Lead Practitioner for Modern Foreign Languages, Coombe Girls’ School (CONFIRMED)
Case Study: Celebrating Linguistic Heritage and Multilingualism
- Showcasing approaches that value and celebrate students’ home languages as assets in the MFL classroom
- Embedding cultural and linguistic diversity into curriculum design, enrichment activities and whole-school initiatives
- Encouraging pupils to draw on their linguistic heritage to enhance confidence, identity and engagement in language learning
- Building a school culture that recognises multilingualism as a strength, promoting inclusion, belonging and global awareness
Sheraz Ali, Director of Learning: MFL, Eden Girls’ Leadership Academy (CONFIRMED)
Questions & Answers
Chair’s Closing Remarks
Julie Sutcliffe, Education Development Lead (MFL), Global School Alliance (CONFIRMED)
Conference Close
Get in Touch
Previous Speakers
Dr Jayne Duff
Research Fellow
Queens University Belfast
Vicky Gough
Schools Adviser
British Council
James Zuccollo
Director for School Workforce
Education Policy Institute
Dr Katie Howard
Senior Lecturer in Education and Psychology
University of Exeter
Katherine Solomon
Head of Training and Resources
The Bell Foundation
Ian Rodmell,
Subject Lead – Languages
AQA
Lucy Jenkins
Project Director, MFL Mentoring
Cardiff University
Testimonials
It was an engaging event which brought together researchers and practitioners in the field. I look forward to the 2025 edition!
The event was very inspiring and I found it interesting to listen to people from varied organisations. I took away a lot of practical information as well as ideas that I could implement into my school in different ways.
The event was really informative with lots of takeaways that I can implement in my department.
I have really enjoyed hearing about so many positive initiatives and ideas to improve the language learning experience for our students. The range and quality of speakers was fantastic.
A really engaging conference with an excellent variety of speakers from all areas; primary, secondary, exam boards, British council and more. A language-lovers dream day!
A lovely way of linking with colleagues and sharing concerns. Inspiring to hear what others are doing in MFL.
Why You Should Attend?
✓ Gain key insights from experts in education
✓ Keep up to date with policy developments and examination and curriculum changes
✓ Networking opportunities with speakers and senior colleagues from across the education sector
✓ Gain 8 hours of CPD points towards your yearly quota
Who Should Attend?
| Job Title Example | Organisation Examples |
| Charity Partners | Primary Schools |
| Teachers | Secondary Schools |
| University Staff | Further Education Providers |
| Academic Support Staff | Higher Education Providers |
| Trustees | Government Educational Policy Leads |
| Policy Managers | Charities |
| Academics | Think Tanks/NGOs |
Pricing Options
PRIVATE SECTOR
Your delegate place at this leading conference gives you: Full access to the conference; E-guide; Networking opportunities during the day; Access to presentations post conference; 8 CPD Points.
PUBLIC SECTOR
Your delegate place at this leading conference gives you: Full access to the conference; E-guide; Networking opportunities during the day; Access to presentations post conference; 8 CPD Points.
VOLUNTARY SECTOR
Your delegate place at this leading conference gives you: Full access to the conference; E-guide; Networking opportunities during the day; Access to presentations post conference; 8 CPD Points.
Sponsorship
Raise your Profile, Showcase Your Solutions, Generate New Business
If your products, services, and solutions can support our audiences in their roles, and you want to make connections and generate new business with key stakeholders, decision makers, and influencers, then please contact us HERE
IMPORTANT: There are only a small number of sponsorship opportunities available to ensure maximum exposure and ROI – contact us today to secure your place.
Virtual vs F2F
Whilst F2F provide better options for networking, there are many distinct advantages of sponsoring our online conferences including:
- Wider geographical reach of delegates and a different audience who prefer online to f2f
- Lower sponsorship package costs
- No travel/accommodation
- Less time out of the office
- No stand materials required (lower costs)
- 1 of only 2 sponsors involved – less competition on the day
- Prime speaking slot in the morning of the conference including Q&A – less distractions and easier for delegates to hear/absorb information
- Receive all delegate data after the conference to follow-up directly with those who attend and don’t attend (small % but still key stakeholders)
- Ongoing exposure via OnDemand access (coming soon)
To find out more and discuss your specific objectives, please contact us below:
