More than 100 teachers, education professionals and language-sector stakeholders from across the north-east and Scotland gathered at the University of Aberdeen this week for French Forward, the third national Future of French en Écosse conference.
Hosted by the University’s School of Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture, the event was co-organised with SCILT, Scotland’s National Centre for Languages, and supported by the Institut français d’Ecosse. It created a forum for those working across schools, universities, policy and cultural organisations to share ideas and build a positive future for French teaching and learning in Scotland.
The conference was opened by Michelle Macleod, Head of School, with a video message from Màiri McAllan the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic on the Scottish Government’s commitment to language education. Stéphane Pailler, French Consul in Scotland, also addressed delegates.
A keynote panel brought together influential voices from Scottish and UK education, regional policy and the teaching profession. Throughout the day, delegates explored the opportunities that language learning offers young people, schools and communities, with a particular focus on employability, language ambassador initiatives and creative approaches to bringing French into learning across the curriculum.
The programme also celebrated the distinctive strengths of the north-east, including the career journeys of University of Aberdeen alumni. Workshops and a lively lunchtime marketplace gave attendees further opportunities to exchange practical ideas, make connections and discover resources to support French teaching and learning.
Michelle Macleod, Head of the School of Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture, said: “We were delighted to bring together teachers, policymakers, cultural partners and learners to strengthen the future of languages in Scotland. By hosting French Forward in Aberdeen, the University helped create space for regional and national stakeholders to connect, celebrate success and develop new ways of championing French.”
Sheena Bell, Professional Development Officer at SCILT, said: “Scotland’s National Centre for Languages was delighted to work with colleagues from the University of Aberdeen to organise this year’s Future of French en Écosse forum. The passion and commitment of the team from the School of Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture were instrumental in the significance and success of a day which brought together key stakeholders and practitioners from across Scotland, and particularly from the north east, to discuss this key issue. The event has contributed very meaningfully to the debate around and support for the teaching and learning of French in Scotland.”
Charlotte Hyvernaud, Education attaché at the Institut français d’Ecosse, said:“The annual conference on the future of French in Scotland was again a great success this year! It was a wonderful opportunity for teachers and stakeholders to connect, share fresh ideas, and boost French learning. Thanks to the University of Aberdeen team for hosting this important event.”
Charles Forsdick, Drapers Professor of French at the University of Cambridge and Lead Fellow for Languages at the British Academy, added: “I was pleased to be part of such creative discussions about the future of French in Scotland. Presenters offered a broad range of examples of how they are engaging with learners and sustaining partnerships with collaborators in a variety of sectors. It is clear that there are multiple cases of exceptional best practice in Scotland from which language teachers and advocates across the UK have much to learn.”
French Forward was held at King’s College on 22 June 2026. The event was free to attend and welcomed teachers of French at all levels.
For more information about the conference, visit the event page: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/llmvc/events/24115/