Can primary school children achieve a certificate in a foreign language? How can schools assess progress in French or Spanish? And how can we celebrate children's achievements before they leave Year 6?
For many children, primary school is where their language-learning journey begins. They might start with simple greetings, colours and numbers before progressing to conversations, reading and writing sentences in another language. But after four years of learning French or Spanish, wouldn't it be wonderful if children had something to show for their achievements?
At Lingotot, we certainly think so!
That's why we developed our NCFE-accredited Certificate in Primary Languages, giving children the opportunity to work towards a certificate that recognises their achievements at the end of Key Stage 2.
Can primary school children gain a language qualification?
Absolutely!
Primary school children can work towards a language certificate designed specifically for younger learners. Lingotot's Certificate in Primary Languages recognises the skills children develop throughout their primary education, rather than expecting them to meet the requirements of a secondary-school examination. Our course is accredited by NCFE, an awarding organisation recognised by Ofqual.
The course is accredited through Lingotot's Investing in Quality (IIQ) Licence. It isn't an Ofqual-regulated qualification, but successful learners receive an NCFE certificate of achievement. This gives children a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their progress before moving on to secondary school.
One very proud Lingotot learner celebrating his achievements!
What language skills are assessed?
The Lingotot Certificate in Primary Languages assesses four essential language skills:
🗣️ Speaking: Can children communicate using familiar words, phrases and sentences?
👂 Listening: Can they understand spoken language and respond appropriately?
📖 Reading: Can they recognise and understand written language?
✏️ Writing: Can they use their knowledge to produce written responses?
These four skills are central to the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum for languages. Rather than simply memorising vocabulary, children have opportunities to demonstrate how they use language in different situations. For example, pupils might describe themselves, talk about their hobbies, understand spoken instructions or write sentences about familiar topics. This helps schools recognise children's progress across different aspects of language learning.
How does the Lingotot Certificate in Primary Languages work?
We've designed our certificate to fit naturally into children's language lessons. Throughout the course, pupils complete assessments that contribute towards a portfolio of evidence. These assessments take place during their learning, rather than requiring children to sit one large examination at the end of Year 6.
Our specification includes:
- Four language skills: Speaking, listening, reading and writing.
- Regular assessments: Children complete assessed activities throughout the course.
- Three award levels: Benchmarked against Entry Levels 1, 2 and 3, recognising different levels of achievement.
- A portfolio of evidence: Recording children's progress and accomplishments.
- Quality assurance: Assessments are carried out by Lingotot teachers, moderated by Lingotot Head Office and externally monitored by NCFE.
Children complete the course at the end of Year 6 and receive their certificates of achievement through NCFE. The aim is to recognise what children have learned without taking away from the enjoyment of learning another language.
Which languages are available?
Our Certificate in Primary Languages specification covers several languages, the most popular being French and Spanish. For example, children studying French can work towards a Certificate in Primary French, while children studying Spanish can work towards a Certificate in Primary Spanish. The language offered will depend on the provision available at their school.
Why recognise children's language achievements in primary school?
Learning another language offers children so many opportunities. They develop communication skills, discover different cultures and begin understanding how languages work. But recognising their achievements can be valuable too.
For children, receiving a certificate provides a sense of accomplishment. It's something tangible they can take home and feel proud of.
For teachers, structured assessment helps identify what pupils have learned and where additional support might be helpful.
For schools, it provides an opportunity to demonstrate progression and celebrate children's achievements across Key Stage 2.
For secondary schools, information about children's previous language learning can help support continuity as pupils move into Year 7.
Of course, a certificate isn't a substitute for excellent teaching. The most important thing is that children develop secure language knowledge, confidence and enthusiasm for learning. But being able to celebrate their progress at the end of primary school is a wonderful bonus!
How can schools prepare children for secondary language learning?
Children arrive in Year 7 with very different experiences of language learning. Some have studied French for four years, others have learned Spanish, and some have had fewer opportunities to develop their language skills. A well-planned primary languages curriculum helps children build foundations in pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar and communication. Assessment can also help teachers understand what children know and can do.
Our Primary Languages Curriculum Guide explains how schools can develop language learning progressively from Year 3 to Year 6. At Lingotot, we want children to leave primary school feeling proud of their achievements and excited about continuing their language-learning journey.
Give your pupils something to celebrate!
Imagine your Year 6 pupils finishing primary school with the confidence to communicate in another language, an understanding of how languages work and a certificate recognising their achievements.
That's exactly what we want language learning to offer.
Lingotot provides engaging, curriculum-aligned language teaching for primary schools, with opportunities for children to work towards our NCFE-accredited Certificate in Primary Languages. Whether you're looking for specialist curriculum teaching, MFL PPA cover or extracurricular language clubs, we'd love to help. Discover how Lingotot works with primary schools.