- A-level entries for all languages in Northern Ireland have declined, except for Irish
- Spanish remains the most popular language at A-level, followed by Irish, French and then German
- Compared to 2024, entries this year fell by 4.5% in Spanish, 8% in French and a particularly steep decline of 32.9% in German.
- Irish uptake has increased slightly by 2.1%.
Mary Mallon, Head of Education at British Council Northern Ireland, said:
“Congratulations to all students across Northern Ireland receiving their A-level results today. This is a significant achievement, and we wish you every success as you move forward into the next stage of your journey - whether in further study, training or the world of work.
“Although entries for many A-level languages continue to decline - a trend that is concerning given the importance of language skills - we remain committed to working with schools and educators to ensure language learning remains a vital part of education in Northern Ireland. Compared to 2024, entries this year fell by 4.5% in Spanish, 8% in French, and a particularly steep decline of 32.9% in German.
“However, Irish stands out as a positive exception - the only language to see green shoots of growth, with a slight 2.1% increase in entries, which is an encouraging sign. In terms of popularity, Spanish continues to lead among A-level language entries, followed by Irish, French and German.
“Through our Language Assistant Programme and other international school programmes, we help connect Northern Ireland’s schools and young people with peers worldwide, enriching language learning through genuine cultural exchange and global perspectives.
“Our latest Language Trends 2025 report highlights the enduring value of language skills - not just for individual learners, but for Northern Ireland’s global future. Languages help us connect with people and cultures, open doors to international opportunities and are vital for building strong economic and diplomatic relationships.
“We recognise that there are challenges. Teachers have shared concerns about limited uptake, pressures around enrolment and the demands of current exam structures. These barriers must be considered if we are to give all young people the chance to benefit from the opportunities that language learning brings.
“Languages are more than just subjects - they are tools for life. In an increasingly connected world, your ability to communicate across cultures will be one of your greatest strengths.”