Let's Talk English
Let's talk about why we love it.
Let's talk about why it matters.
At its best, English unlocks knowledge, nurtures empathy and values diverse voices. But this vital subject is being challenged by pressures like never before – and it’s time for change.
It’s time for us to revive English and make it the engaging, innovative and inclusive subject it truly can be.
So let’s talk English…
English Matters: our vision, shaped by your voices
Over the last year, the Let’s Talk English campaign has brought together thousands of teacher, student and sector voices to explore bold questions about the future of English.
Building on these insights, we’re excited to launch English Matters: our vision for the future of English, and a programme of support to help bring it to life in classrooms.
English Matters
More than ever, knowing the power of your voice matters.
Engaging with different perspectives matters.
Developing critical and creative thinking in a changing world matters.
That belief sits at the heart of English Matters: our new vision for the future of English.
The Let's Talk English mini-series
Throughout 2025, we hosted a dynamic series of English-focused conversations, including interactive forums and roundtable discussions. This five part mini-series rounds up what we heard from these conversations on Oracy, Canonical vs Contemporary, Rethinking Resits, Assessment and Why English Matters.
Oracy in English: The conversation so far...
Assessment in English: The conversation so far...
Canonical vs Contemporary: The conversation so far...
Why GCSE English Matters: The conversation so far...
Rethinking resits: The conversation so far...
Curriculum and Assessment Review webinars
Following the publication of the Curriculum and Assessment Review, we explored the recommendations in a series of webinars. Catch up on the webinar recordings below and hear from a range of experts.
What does the Curriculum and Assessment Review mean for English?
On Tuesday 2nd December 2025, we hosted a practical webinar discussion where we delved into the report and what the findings mean for the subject of English, schools, colleges and students.
We heard from:
- Debra Myhill, Professor of Education at the University of Exeter
- Chris Curtis, Secondary English teacher, blogger (Learning from my mistakes) and author (How to teach English)
- Yamina Bibi, Author, experienced senior leader, coach and consultant
Tackling the changes of the Curriculum and Assessment Review
On Tuesday 3rd February 2026, we brought together MAT English leads to discuss their reactions to the Curriculum and Assessment Review and any changes they will be considering in preparation for GCSE reform.
We heard from:
- Rebecca Hawkins, Oasis
- Brian Doyle, United Learning
- Heather Holmes, Outwood Academy
- Leandri Dannhauser, Ark
Our conversations
Through forums, webinars, reports and regional conversations, thousands of teachers, students and sector leaders shared what matters most about English — and what needs to change. Below is a snapshot of our activity to date and you can read a summary of these conversations in our blog series.
Research with over 800 secondary English teachers, 1000 college students and 1000 college tutors
10 in-person and virtual Let's Talk English forums attended by 30 sector representatives and over 60 teachers.
Attendance at key industry events including PiXL English, NATE, the Speaking Summit and English: Shared Futures.
The first of our in-person regional events with teachers from 11 schools represented, and a dedicated student panel.
Secondary teachers on GCSE English...
Does the current subject content for GCSE English give schools and students what they need? Over 800 secondary English teachers told us their honest thoughts. Their answers suggest that it’s time for urgent reform in GCSE English.
Only a fifth
of all secondary English teachers (20%) say GCSE English is enjoyable to teach.
More than two-thirds
of all teachers (68%) say current English GCSE assessments don’t fully capture skills.
Over half
of all teachers (53%) say GCSE English doesn’t prepare students for post-16 study.
Let's Talk English voices
Let’s Talk English is all about reimagining what English means for today’s learners and exploring what the subject could (and should) look like in classrooms across the country.
In this series of videos and blogs, we’re bringing together English practitioners, sector leaders, students and influencers to share their views on the future of English, and how we can make it the engaging, innovative subject it truly can be.
Geoff Barton, Chair of the Oracy Education Commission
Talk is not just an academic skill, it is a life skill. In this video, Geoff Barton explains why teaching young people to go out into the world as confident communicators has never matter more.
Neil Mercer, Professor of Education at University of Cambridge
The ability to use spoken language to get things done is something that is increasingly important in all walks of life. In this video, Neil Mercer shared why schools should treat oracy as very important when they're helping people prepare for their futures.
Russell Findlay, CEO of Speakers Trust
In this video, Russell Findlay shares how the lack of speaking and listening within GCSE English is a real missed opportunity because it can bring the subject alive for so many young people. He shares why oracy is important for students' futures and his priorities for GCSE English reform.
Tom F. Wright, Head of English at University of Sussex
In this video, Tom shares how there is a crisis in communication skills in British life and the impact this could have on students' futures. He also argues that we need to inject some of the joy back into GCSE English to make it a subject that inspires students.
Anthony Cockerill, Director of the National Association of the Teaching of English
What students read should reflect different identities, backgrounds and worldviews — and the curriculum should embrace real-world communication, from media and drama to spoken language. That’s exactly what Anthony is calling for.
Leandri Dannhauser, Network Lead Advisor for English at Ark
The current GCSE English specification isn’t bringing students joy — and may even be putting students off studying the subject beyond school. Leandri believes that the answer lies in creating opportunities for every student to shine.
Thomas Karshan, Associate Professor of Literature at UEA
What if GCSE English gave more space to creativity? Thomas Karshan, Associate Professor of Literature at UEA, believes students should be encouraged to rewrite and reimagine the texts they study — not just analyse them.
Eva McManamon, Senior Strategy Manager for English at Pearson
How can we make GCSE English more enjoyable? In this video, Eva McManamon, Senior Strategy Manager for English at Pearson, shares her thoughts on this and our priorities for shaping the future of the subject.
Creativity in the English classroom
Matt Bromley, Chair of Building Equity in Education
What is the Let's Talk English campaign?
The Let's Talk English campaign is all about reimagining the future of GCSE English. Throughout 2025, we hosted a dynamic series of English-focused conversations, including interactive forums and roundtable discussions, focusing on the five areas below.
Join the conversation
We believe the future of English should be shaped collaboratively, and we’d love you to be part of it.
Throughout 2026, we'll be sharing thought‑leading perspectives, practical guidance and classroom-ready support that brings our vision for the future of English to life.
Sign up to receive updates as we work with teachers and the wider sector to strengthen the role of English inside and beyond the classroom.
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