Petition · past parliament
Make learning a foreign language compulsory from the 1st year of primary school
Closed
34 signatures
What the petition asks
The UK has one of the lowest levels of multi-linguistic speakers. By keeping up with our European neighbours we will open up travel for the individual and business for the nation. The best way to learn a foreign language is to learn continuously from a young age, when the brain is most capable.
Communication is key in international business and the UK government wishes to see more students taking up a foreign language at university. To facilitate a future nation of polyglots we need to prioritise foreign language as a core subject for children. Starting from the age of 5, or younger, when it's easiest to learn, and to be taught continuously through to adolescence so that every future adult has at least basic secondary language skills.
Timeline
| 12 Sep 2016 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 12 Mar 2017 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
34
Status
Closed
Opened
12 Sep 2016
Closed
12 Mar 2017
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.