The Future of English
Future of English research programme
The Future of English is a global research programme looking into the future of the English language and its uses, needs, and demands worldwide.
The programme will offer actionable insights and practical tools for educational institutions, employers and government agencies across the globe, as well as teachers and learners. Resources developed as part of the programme will explore key themes in the use of English, helping stakeholders to overcome the issues and realise opportunities in their own contexts.
Drawing on research and expertise from a range of disciplines, the programme aims to:
1. Provide insights on trends that will define the role of English as a global language over the next decade.
2. Inform language and education policy to improve teaching, learning and assessment.
3. Lay out a research agenda capable of generating hard evidence and data to inform those policy decisions and evaluate their impact.
The Future of English: Global Perspective
We gathered insights by hosting 16 roundtables with 92 policymakers and policy influencers around the world. Data from the roundtables was analysed helping to identify eight key themes that are shaping the future of the English language and its role in our world.
'The Future of English: Global Perspectives' is free and available worldwide.
Ongoing Future of English research
The Future of English is an evolving programme. We're working with experts to develop further research and gain even more insights about the future of the English language.
A key initiative for developing this research is the Future of English research grants. Grants were awarded to four international projects led by leading UK research institutions. To find out more about the grant projects, visit the Future of English research grants page. Findings from these projects will be shared as part of the Future of English Research Forum in March 2025. Learn more about the Research Forum 2025 here.
Research themes and questions
Will English remain the world's most sought-after language?
What role will English play in our multilingual reality?
What is the future of English as a medium of education?
How will teachers remain relevant in future English language learning systems?
Public and private English language provision: who has the answers?
Can English language assessment meet stakeholders' changing needs?
Can technology narrow the equity gap in English language education?
To what extent is employment driving the future of English?
Download a summary of the research findings: English, Chinese (Mandarin), Spanish, Arabic and Portuguese (Brazilian).
Future of English blog
Throughout the programme we will be highlighting some of the key debates and themes from the Future of English programme on our blog. Explore the latest blog posts here
The Future of English: one year on
Future of English Research Forum 2025
To what extent is employment driving demand for English?
Built with Shorthand