British Council has launched a new global position paper calling for education systems that are more responsive to language diversity, with the aim of creating more inclusive, equitable, and effective learning environments.
The paper outlines the organisation’s approach to language policy and educational practice, recognising the increasingly complex global role of English while also emphasising the importance of preserving linguistic diversity and making context-specific policy decisions.
It highlights that in many education systems worldwide, students learn in multilingual environments where the language used in schools often differs from their home language. While English continues to play a significant role in global education, mobility, and employment opportunities, the British Council stresses that there is no universal model for language in education that suits every country. Instead, it advocates for evidence-based, locally informed approaches shaped by policymakers and education stakeholders, taking into account social, political, historical, and economic contexts.
At the core of the position paper is the concept of language-responsive education systems—systems that recognise language as a central factor in learning and integrate it across all aspects of education, including policy, curriculum design, teaching methods, learning materials, assessment, and teacher education. The paper emphasises that successful language policy is not only about selecting a language of instruction, but about ensuring the broader system effectively supports learning outcomes.
Where English is used as a medium of instruction, the paper recommends strong English language teaching provision, alongside support for learners’ first languages to strengthen foundational understanding. It also highlights the need for well-trained teachers, language-sensitive teaching methods, appropriate learning materials, and fair assessments that consider language development stages.
The position paper is based on an extensive global literature review conducted by the British Council, which examines research on learning English in diverse educational contexts. The findings show that outcomes vary significantly depending on teacher proficiency, system readiness, and how well language policies align with local realities. The research also warns of challenges linked to poorly managed transitions to English-medium instruction, reinforcing the importance of long-term planning, teacher development, and sustained investment in educational resources to improve learning outcomes.