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…
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.
Reform Readiness Checklist
Know what to focus on now and what comes next.
A-Z Careers in English
Discover the opportunities that studying English can open up.
The Classroom of Today
Understand today's English classroom.
Coming soon
The Classroom of Tomorrow
Discover what's shaping English education tomorrow.
Coming soon
Curriculum and Assessment Review
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.
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.
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
Neil Mercer, Professor of Education at University of Cambridge
Anthony Cockerill, Director of the National Association of the Teaching of English
Leandri Dannhauser, Network Lead Advisor for English at Ark
Our research
Over the last two years, Let's Talk English has brought together thousands of teachers, students, school leaders and sector experts to explore the future of English.
Through surveys, forums, roundtable discussions, webinars and regional events, we've listened to a wide range of perspectives on what matters most about English today, and what needs to change. Our research and engagement activity has included:
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.
Research reports
Our five-part Let's Talk English mini-series brings together key themes from our conversations across the sector. Each report captures the views, challenges and opportunities raised by teachers, leaders and subject experts.
Oracy in English
Canonical vs Contemporary
Rethinking resits
Assessment in English
Why English Matters
Join our English research community
As we prepare for qualification reform, we're inviting English teachers, Heads of Department and school leaders to join our English research community.
By joining, you'll have opportunities to take part in surveys, workshops, discussion panels and research projects exploring the future of the subject, with the flexibility to choose the activities that work for you.
Stay connected
Stay connected to the English reform conversation and receive the latest updates.
Throughout 2026 and beyond, we'll be sharing a programme of support designed to help schools understand what's changing, what it means for their department, and how they can prepare for the future. You'll also receive the latest research, insights and expert perspectives, along with practical guidance and classroom support.
What is the Let's Talk English campaign?
In 2025, we launched our Let's Talk English campaign to reimagine the future of GCSE English. Since then, we’ve hosted a dynamic series of English-focused conversations, including interactive forums and roundtable discussions, completed research with thousands of students, teachers and college tutors and shared a range of discussions and perspectives on:
- What English is and what it is for
- Embracing the contemporary alongside the canonical
- The role of speech in English
- Reassessing English assessment
- How to tackle the big issues facing GCSE English
These insights have helped shape our vision for English, in which we advocate for a subject that empowers learners to know the power of their voice, engage with different perspectives and develop critical and creative thinking in a changing world.
But the conversations won't stop here.
As we move towards curriculum reform, discussion about GCSE English matters more than ever. We’ll continue to facilitate these conversations, to share the views of teachers, students and education leaders and to keep you up to date with what we know and how we can help.
English matters. Let’s make sure we keep talking about it.
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.
This is Lit book club
Our new book club is designed to celebrate the best of 21st century literature during The National Year of Reading 2026.
As the government announces plans for curriculum reform, it is the perfect time to explore a new chapter for GCSE English.
Qualification Reform
Qualification reform gives us an opportunity to think beyond what needs to change – and focus on what qualifications could make possible for every student. At Pearson, we’re working alongside educators, students and experts to help shape a future for qualifications built around the people who matter most.