April 2026 Languages Update
With the exam season now getting closer, many of you are moving from planning into delivery – particularly when it comes to speaking assessments. This update focuses on the things we know matter most right now, along with a small number of wider sector updates to keep on your radar.
Quick links
In this update you will find:
- GCSE French, German and Spanish Digital Sequencing Tool
- Examiner opportunity: GCSE French, German and Spanish
- Examiner opportunity: International GCSE English as a Second Language
- Speaking exam guidance for all qualifications
- Demystifying Assessment
- Training: Live and pre-recorded
- How to get in touch
- AI in Coursework (Ofqual blog)
- UCAS Admissions (International centres only)
- Support for centres affected by the conflict in the Middle East
GCSE French, German and Spanish Digital Sequencing Tool: key dates and what happens next
The Digital Sequencing Tool closes on 2 April, by which point all choices of thematic context should have been made.
From 13 April, centres can log back in to view the task allocations and begin preparing using the hard copies of the assessment materials already sent to your centre.
The Centre Administration Guide is the key place to look for support at this stage, alongside the Sequencing Tool guidance and our Conducting the Speaking training.
Become an examiner: GCSE French, German and Spanish
If examining has been on your radar but you haven’t applied yet, it’s not too late to get involved for GCSE French, German and Spanish.
Examining gives you a valuable window into how speaking assessments are marked and how standards are applied. Many teachers tell us this insight feeds straight back into their classroom practice and helps them feel more confident when preparing students and making assessment decisions. Full training and ongoing support are provided throughout.
We’ve also extended the opportunity for eligible Assessment Associates to earn the Proactive Associate MFL Credly badge, which recognises the professional learning already invested in the GCSE (2024) specification as we approach first assessment.
If you’re eligible for the badge and would like to take part but don’t yet have the information you need, please do get in touch.
International GCSE English as a Second Language: examiner opportunity
We’re also currently recruiting examiners for International GCSE English as a Second Language (2023 specification).
Examining offers valuable insight into how assessments are marked and how standards are applied, and many teachers tell us this understanding supports their confidence when preparing students for assessment. Full training and support are provided for the role.
If this is something you’d like to explore:
Speaking exams: guidance for all languages qualifications
Clear, consistent guidance is available across all languages qualifications to support preparation, delivery and marking, so you can feel confident about what’s expected for speaking assessments.
Aside from GCSE French, German and Spanish, where the Digital Sequencing Tool is now used, all other languages qualifications continue exactly as before. The structure of the assessment, the conduct of the exam and the administrative processes remain unchanged, and existing guidance continues to apply.
You can find the key links and support signposted in the March update, which remain relevant as you move into delivery.
Demystifying assessment
We know assessment can sometimes raise more questions than answers. Our Demystifying Assessment work is shaped by what you want to understand – from how grade boundaries are set, to what happens to an exam paper once it leaves the exam hall.
We’d really like to hear your questions so we can focus our support on the areas that matter most to you.
How to get in touch
If you’re unsure about guidance, processes or where to find the right information, please do get in touch. We’re here to help, especially at this busy point in the year. All the details are at the bottom of this page.
You can also book a 15 minute 1 to 1 Teams meeting with me for administrative questions or general guidance – for example, clarifying requirements, timelines, processes or where to find support. These short sessions are designed to be focused and practical. Please note that I’m not able to look at or mark student work, but I’m very happy to help you navigate guidance and next steps.
Ofqual Blog – Talking to students about AI in coursework: why the conversation matters
Ofqual has published a new blog highlighting the importance of open, honest conversations with students about the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in coursework.
AI tools are now part of everyday life for many young people. But it’s important that students understand where the boundaries are. Using AI to generate coursework without proper disclosure is cheating, and the consequences can be serious – including the loss of a qualification.
The blog is designed to help you start those conversations with confidence. It includes:
• A ready to use lesson plan to support classroom discussion about AI and assessed work.
• A senior leadership team briefing pack to help schools and colleges develop a clear, whole school approach to AI in coursework.
Together, these resources can help ensure students are informed, supported and clear about expectations – before assessment pressures begin.
UCAS admissions consultation - International centres only
We know many of our centres and students use the UCAS application service when applying to Higher Education in the UK. UCAS are currently consulting on the operation of the undergraduate admissions cycle, including:
• the number of initial choices a student can make
• the firm and insurance choice
• application deadlines, including the early (October) deadline and January Equal Consideration Date.
This is an opportunity for you to have your say.
The deadline to respond is 18:00 (UK time) on 22 April 2026.
Support for centres affected by the conflict in the Middle East
We know the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to affect students, families and centres in very real ways.
This page brings together the latest guidance and support available for students whose learning and assessments have been disrupted, with any new updates added here as the situation continues to evolve.
Subject advisor
Rebecca Waker
Languages
