OnDemand: Delivering Excellence in Modern Foreign Languages Conference 2026
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2026 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.
- Only 47% of pupils in the UK take MFL at GCSE level
- More students take A-Levels in PE than in French, German & Classical Languages combined
- Teacher recruitment has reached just 43% of the Government’s official target
The Delivering Excellence in Modern Foreign Languages Conference 2026: Increasing Uptake and Student Engagement shared the latest updates on MFL curriculum and policy developments, strategies for engaging learners of all abilities across from KS1 to KS5, and practical guidance for building consistent, inspiring and long-term engagement with languages.
2026 Agenda
Chair’s Opening Remarks
Julie Sutcliffe, MFL CPD, Curriculum and Resource Development Specialist
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 and Chair, London City of Languages
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
Questions and Answers
Comfort Break
Case Study: Creating Supportive MFL Classrooms that Build Speaking Confidence
- Strategies to promote confidence and progression in speaking, in order to help maximise long-term engagement with languages
- Understanding how to create a safe ‘no opt out’ environment to help build children’s confidence and enjoyment, whilst reducing speaking anxiety
- Strategies to increase confidence and motivation to speak in the target language using structured speaking routines and oracy-focused activities to embed meaningful communication practice
- Exploring how a robust ‘less is more’ curriculum, embedded with regular opportunities for retrieval practice, and focusing on clear progression and foundational knowledge, builds this confidence
Vicki Goodman, Primary MFL Coordinator, London Borough of Merton and French Teacher Lead Practitioner, Wimbledon Park Primary School
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
Questions and Answers
Lunch Break
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
Keynote: Improving Pupil Performance
- Exploring the key factors that underpin high achievement, including curriculum coherence and clarity of expectations across KS3–KS5
- Using evidence-informed approaches such as modelling and structured practice to build fluency, accuracy and long-term retention
- Embedding formative assessment strategies that diagnose gaps and provide meaningful feedback to move learning forward
- Developing classroom and departmental approaches that motivate learners and build confidence
Ben Drury, National Lead for MFL, Astrea Academy Trust
Questions and 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
Questions and Answers
Chair’s Closing Remarks
Julie Sutcliffe, MFL CPD, Curriculum and Resource Development Specialist
Conference Close
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2026 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.
