ISMLA Annual Conference 2026: Quo Vadis?
Saturday 7 February 2026 | Manchester Grammar School
ISMLA’s 2026 Annual Conference brought together colleagues from across the independent sector for a day of reflection, challenge and professional exchange under the theme Quo Vadis? — an invitation to consider the future direction of modern languages education and the role of schools in shaping it.
The conference opened with a warm welcome from Dr Martin Boulton, High Master of Manchester Grammar School, who expressed his enthusiastic support for language learning. His own school stands as a great example of excellence. This was followed by the ISMLA AGM and vision update from our Chair, Adèle Venter, who reflected on the association’s advocacy, partnerships and ongoing work to support members at a time of significant challenge and opportunity for the subject.
Keynote and Panel Discussion
We were honoured to welcome Sir Nick Gibb as keynote speaker. Sir Nick spoke compellingly about the importance of language learning for the UK economy, for literacy and knowledge, and for the intellectual development of young people. His address was followed by a panel discussion, chaired by Adèle, with contributions from Charles Fillingham, Executive Head of Solihull School, and Jess Houghton, Head of MFL at The Manchester Grammar School. Together with delegates, the panel explored how collaboration, confidence and clarity of purpose will be essential if languages are to remain central to a serious, humane education. The discussion ranged widely: from capitalising on the UK’s rich linguistic diversity, to the role of primary languages; from alternative qualifications, assessment and grading, to the ongoing challenges of recruitment and retention. The panel also considered the extent to which the independent sector is shaped by wider national currents, and the role that fruitful partnerships could play in influencing and securing the future of language education. Delegates particularly valued the opportunity to hear reflections from Sir Nick on his years in government and his sustained advocacy for language learning.
Further keynote contributions from Sara Davidson and Jonathan Mumford focused respectively on teacher training and recruitment through SCITT partnerships, and on innovative, research-informed approaches to feedback that foreground the power of the human voice in language learning.
Subject-Specific Communities of Practice
A central feature of the afternoon was the subject-specific teach-meet programme, which remains a cornerstone of the ISMLA conference. Breakout sessions in French, German, Spanish, Mandarin, and Junior languages provided space for colleagues to share practice, discuss current challenges, and explore innovations directly relevant to their teaching contexts. These meetings were, once again, wide-ranging, and included discussion of, among other areas, the integration of WolloW, culture and film within schemes of work; strategies for supporting students with SEND; approaches to teaching A-level literature; and the development of peer partnerships through Routes into Languages.
These sessions exemplified ISMLA’s commitment to fostering effective communities of practice: tight-knit professional networks in which members can speak candidly about curriculum design, assessment, inclusion, recruitment and sustainability, while learning from one another’s expertise. We very much encourage members to reach out to our subject representatives and become involved in our various networks.
Looking Ahead
Across the day, a shared narrative emerged: that language learning is not an optional enrichment, but foundational to education itself. In an increasingly fragmented and instrumentalised world, modern languages cultivate precisely those qualities our students most need — careful listening, cultural understanding, intellectual precision and the ability to engage meaningfully beyond their own borders.
ISMLA remains committed to supporting its members in advancing this narrative, strengthening professional dialogue, and ensuring that the independent sector continues to play a thoughtful and constructive role in shaping the future of modern languages education.
We are grateful to all speakers, contributors and delegates for their generosity, professionalism and willingness to think collectively about where we are heading — and how we get there.