Languages
May 2026 Languages Update
Welcome to the May 2026 languages update,
May is a busy one for languages teams, with speaking assessments firmly in focus across centres. So this month’s update is intentionally brief – just the essentials, right when you need them most.
In this month's update you’ll find a reminder of the speaking assessment guidance shared previously, along with quick links to key training. If you’re mid delivery or about to begin, everything here is designed to help you feel confident, prepared and supported.
There is also clear signposting to ways to get in touch for focused support at this busy point in the year.
As always, thank you for the care and professionalism you bring to your speaking assessments – it really does make a difference for students at this crucial stage.
Rebecca Waker
Subject Advisor - Languages
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.
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.
Assessment Associate Opportunities
It’s not too late to apply to examine this summer. We are still recruiting examiners for qualifications such as GCSE French, German and Spanish, as well as International GCSE English as a Second Language, and there may still be opportunities to get involved. We recruit examiners all year round, so if you apply now you’ll be in the pool for the next series. Examining offers valuable insight into how assessments are marked and how standards are applied, and many teachers tell us this understanding feeds straight back into their classroom practice, increasing confidence when preparing students for assessment. Full training and ongoing support are provided.
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.
Subject advisor
Rebecca Waker
Languages
Subject updates
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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.