The British Council has called for education systems that better reflect learners’ linguistic realities, arguing that language policy should be context-driven to improve equity and learning outcomes.
The organisation said in a press release on Wednesday that there is no single model for language in education suitable for all countries, even as English continues to play a global role in education, mobility and opportunity.
It urged policymakers to adopt evidence-informed, locally determined approaches that take into account historical, social, economic and political contexts.
The position was set out in a global paper outlining “language-responsive education systems”, defined as systems that integrate language considerations across policy, curriculum design, teaching practice, learning materials, assessment and teacher development.
The paper said learning outcomes depend not only on language of instruction, but on how effectively education systems support language development.
It cited global research showing wide variation in outcomes across English-medium education systems, driven by factors including teacher proficiency, system capacity and alignment with local linguistic contexts.
The paper warned that poorly supported transitions to English-medium instruction can undermine learning without sustained planning, training and resource investment.
Where English is used as a language of instruction, the paper called for stronger English-as-a-subject provision, language-supportive pedagogy, improved teaching materials and assessments aligned with learners’ language development stages, alongside better teacher preparation.
British Council Director of English and School Education Michael Connolly said language sits at the heart of learning and that systems which respond to linguistic realities create more inclusive classrooms and stronger conditions for learning.
The organisation said the position paper and accompanying literature review are intended as a reference for education policymakers and international partners working to improve learning outcomes and expand opportunities for learners globally.
