Language Support for Local Schools to Continue

Cranmer Education Trust are delighted to announce further information about the Kinder Language Network and the continuation of school support for MFL teachers.

The Blue Coat School, part of Cranmer Education Trust, has been selected to lead the Kinder Language Network for the National Consortium for Languages Education (NCLE). The NCLE is working with schools to raise the profile of languages and strengthen language teaching and learning in England.

The Kinder Language Network is one of 14 Language Networks across the country, working at local and regional levels to connect schools in communities of practice. They will drive change through research-informed action and sharing knowledge through Language Educators Online (LEO), NCLE’s free online professional learning platform for language teachers.

Our Kinder Language Network will be leading on two projects – Sing to Speak and Language Fest North West, and learning from our projects will be shared across our network and nationally via LEO.

The Kinder Language Network will build on the success of our Language Hub and expand our reach through a programme of webinars and teach-meets to include more schools across the region. By joining a national network of schools, we will be working together with the NCLE to break down barriers to opportunity for all pupils.

Speaking on Sing to Speak, Catherine Woodward (Trust MFL Lead for Cranmer Education Trust) said:
“Our national project aims to reduce barriers to language learning for vulnerable students by using song. The task-based resources aim to enhance motivation and support preparation for the role play section of the GCSE Speaking examinations.”

Speaking on Language Fest North West, Michelle Massey (Head of German at The Blue Coat CofE School) said:
“Language Fest NW is a regional language festival to bring together motivational events for pupils and teachers; linking universities and key stakeholders in the field of languages to spread the message through webinars and live events in February 2026.”

Further details and communication will be shared in the coming weeks about Language Fest North West, and the continued work of the Kinder Language Network. If you would like to be kept informed, please make sure to register your interest.

NCLE is funded by the Department for Education and is comprised of the UCL Institute of Education, the British council, and the Goethe-Institut. Find out more about the NCLE and visit the NCLE website.

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