Language Trends 2005 - Adult learners

A survey of language provision by LEAs was carried out by CILT, the National Centre for Languages in collaboration with the Association for Language Learning and NIACE.The survey took place from December 2004 to February 2005 and sought data based on learner figures for the academic year September 2003 to August 2004.

The main findings include:

• 36 different languages on offer.
• A third of all language learners were studying Spanish (32,659) and over a
  quarter were learning French (25,588).
• 74% of all language learners were studying at Entry Level and Level 1.
• Over half of all responding LEAs reported that some language
  courses were oversubscribed.
• 83% said that they had had to cancel some language courses due to learner
  numbers being too low to form a viable group.
• Most LEAs offered non-accredited language learning (93%)
• The main motivations cited by the LEAs for adults learning languages
  were holidays, personal interest, work , buying property abroad and family reasons .
  

• Read the final report (pdf)
• Read the press release (pdf)
• Read the full statistical report (pdf)
• Read the survey questionnaire (pdf)