“Everyone speaks English anyway.” It is a phrase many teachers hear when encouraging pupils to take up French, Spanish or German. And it is true that English has become the dominant language of global business. But to dismiss other languages as unnecessary is to ignore the personal, cultural and economic benefits they bring—and to risk narrowing opportunities for the next generation.
The decline is stark. Fewer than half of all state school pupils in England now study a foreign language at GCSE. In more affluent schools around 69% of Year 11 pupils take a language, but in the least affluent schools this falls to just 47%, a gap of more than 20 percentage points (https://www.britishcouncil.org/about/press/language-gcse-take-significantly-lower-less-affluent-state-schools-across-england-%E2%80%93). At A-level the picture is bleaker still: in 2024, only 2.97% of entries were for modern or classical languages, including Welsh (Second Language) and Irish. More teenagers now take A-level Physical Education than French, German and classical languages combined (https://www.hepi.ac.uk/reports/the-languages-crisis-arresting-decline/).
Behind these statistics is a cultural and economic problem. If languages become the preserve of pupils in wealthy schools, Britain risks entrenching inequality and losing a vital skill set in the process. Employers consistently report that candidates with language skills stand out for their adaptability, cultural awareness and ability to build relationships across borders. These are qualities that go far beyond grammar exercises in the classroom.
Speaking to someone in their own language creates trust. It deepens personal connections and strengthens professional relationships. For international firms it can mean the difference between clinching a deal and losing out. And studying another language does not just improve communication abroad. It sharpens skills in English too, by drawing attention to structure, vocabulary and etymology.
The cultural case is equally strong. Language is inseparable from identity. To learn a language is to gain access to another worldview, to understand different histories, literatures and ways of thinking. It is impossible to fully grasp a country’s culture without engaging with its language. And for many students, the experience of studying abroad - often a highlight of a language degree - remains one of the most formative periods of their lives.
Europe celebrates this every year through the European Day of Languages, organised by the Council of Europe’s European Centre for Modern Languages. In 2025 alone it marked more than 770 events across 43 countries, with over 166,000 participants (https://edl.ecml.at/en/). Its theme, “Languages open hearts and minds,” captures the spirit of what Britain risks losing: the ability to connect deeply with others in an increasingly fractured world.
The truth is simple. Relying on English alone is short-sighted. While it may feel convenient in the short term, it leaves young people less prepared for a globalised economy and robs them of the chance to see the world through a broader lens. Britain cannot afford to let languages die out in its schools. If we continue to treat them as an optional luxury, we not only close doors for our children but also weaken our place in an interconnected world.
