.jpg?v=d7f1b62159b21f52fe14df30fdc0f34b)
Government hails performance of pupils in Mandarin language courses
The government has congratulated the first cohort of pupils taking part in its flagship Mandarin Excellence Programme, who have now completed the first year of teaching.
Almost 400 pupils from 14 schools across England are taking part in the pilot scheme, which is designed to pave the way for at least 5,000 pupils in England to become fluent in Mandarin Chinese by 2020.
More than 380 pupils in this group were able to achieve scores of more than 80 per cent in specially-created reading, writing, listening and speaking tests, after spending an average of eight hours per week studying the language.
The Mandarin Excellence Programme is being delivered by the University College London Institute of Education, in partnership with the British Council. In addition to pupil number targets, the aims of the programme include providing training for at least 100 newly qualified Chinese teachers.
State schools in England can apply to join the scheme from 2018, with funding available to support successful delivery. As part of the programme, some pupils will have the chance to go to China on educational trips from summer 2018 onwards.
This year, an additional 23 schools throughout England have initiated the programme, meaning hundreds more pupils will soon have the opportunity to learn Chinese. As the most spoken language in the world, Mandarin provides students with a hugely valuable skill that greatly enhances their employment prospects.
School standards minister Nick Gibb said: "I would like to congratulate the first cohort of students on their success. They have achieved some excellent results thanks to their hard work and dedication.
"This will give them a significant advantage when competing in the global jobs market, and is particularly important as we prepare to leave the European Union."
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£25 - 30 per hour
Location free text
Milton Keynes
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
£30 per hour and above
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Milton Keynes
Description
Become a Tutor with TPTUTORS – Inspire, Support, and Transform LivesTPTUTORS is on the lookout for passionate, skilled tutors to join our expanding team. As student referrals increase, we’re working h
Reference
BG0507TUTOR
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£25 - 30 per hour
Location free text
Leicester
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
£30 per hour and above
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Leicester
Description
Functional Skills Tutor – Maths & English (Level 1 & 2)Location: Leicestershire (in-person tutoring) Subjects: Functional Skills – Maths & English (Level 1 & 2) Rate: £20–£30 per hour (based on experi
Reference
BG0507TUTOR1
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£25 - 30 per hour
Location free text
Bedford
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
£30 per hour and above
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Bedford
Description
SEN Tutor – Bedford (Primary or Secondary) | £20–£30 per hourAre you a passionate and experienced SEN tutor looking to make a real difference?We are seeking a dedicated SEN Tutor to work with students
Reference
BG0507TUTOR2
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£25 - 35 per hour
Location free text
Farnborough
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
£20 - £29 per hour
£30 per hour and above
Sector
English
Location
Hampshire
Description
Join TP Tutors – High Demand for 1:1 Tutors Across the South!Are you passionate about teaching but looking for a flexible, alternative setting beyond the traditional classroom? TP Tutors, powered by T
Reference
TUITION6
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
South TuitionAuthor
South TuitionSalary
£25 - 35 per hour
Location free text
Southampton
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
£20 - £29 per hour
£30 per hour and above
Sector
English
Location
Southampton
Description
Join TP Tutors – High Demand for 1:1 Tutors Across the South!Are you passionate about teaching but looking for a flexible, alternative setting beyond the traditional classroom? TP Tutors, powered by T
Reference
TUITION4
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
South TuitionAuthor
South TuitionSalary
£25 - 35 per hour
Location free text
Portsmouth
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
£20 - £29 per hour
£30 per hour and above
Sector
English
Location
Portsmouth
Description
Join TP Tutors – High Demand for 1:1 Tutors Across the South!Are you passionate about teaching but looking for a flexible, alternative setting beyond the traditional classroom? TP Tutors, powered by T
Reference
TUITION5
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
South TuitionAuthor
South TuitionSalary
£166.32 - 166.32 per day
Location free text
Pembrokeshire
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Other
Location
Pembrokeshire
Description
Secondary Supply Teacher – Pembrokeshire Location: Pembrokeshire, Wales Company: Teaching PersonnelAre you a passionate and flexible educator looking to make a difference in secondary schools across
Reference
DLTPEM1
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Swansea Secondary & SENAuthor
Swansea Secondary & SENSalary
£31,650 - 43,607 per year
Location free text
Blandford Forum
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
Sector
Teacher
Location
Blandford
Description
Qualified Secondary Teacher – Specialist Provision (Ages 5–16) Are you a compassionate and adaptable qualified teacher (QTS) with a passion for supporting young people?We are looking for a dedicated
Reference
HK380
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset SENAuthor
Dorset SENSalary
£25,209 - 27,836 per year
Location free text
Bournemouth
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£20,000 - £29,999
Sector
Secondary
Location
Bournemouth
Description
Science Technician – Key Stage 3 & 4 Immediate applications encouraged – advert may close early if the position is filledAn exciting opportunity has arisen for a full-time Science Technician to join
Reference
HK377
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset SENAuthor
Dorset SENSalary
£25 - 30 per hour
Location free text
Nottingham
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Nottingham
Description
Make a Real Difference: Become an SEN Tutor in Nottingham!Are you passionate about helping young people achieve their full potential?TP Tutors is a leading tutoring agency dedicated to providing high-
Reference
TWNG6SEN4/7/25
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North TuitionAuthor
North TuitionRelated posts

Teaser
Special Educational NeedsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
In December 2024, the government announced new specialist places in mainstream schools to better support pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Yet, staff shortages limit s

Teaser
Special Educational NeedsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
Recent statistics highlight gaps in SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) training and support for educators. The government wants more SEND pupils in mainstream schools. At the same t

Teaser
Special Educational NeedsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
In 2024, the National Audit Office (NAO) highlighted the crisis in the SEND system, noting limited progress in making mainstream schools more inclusive. Without further investment and changes, t

Teaser
Special Educational NeedsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
How to navigate SEND funding for 2025-26 As government funding for special education needs and disabilities (SEND) evolves, schools face critical challenges securing essential resources. Sch

Teaser
Special Educational NeedsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
Unpacking SEND reform: Where are we now and what’s coming next? A rapid rise in pupils diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder, social, emotional, and mental health needs (including ADHD), as

Teaser
Education NewsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
What do schools need to know this term? Change is constant in the education sector, and this term is no different. From Ofsted and pay reviews, to structural shifts like RISE and curriculum refo
by
Zuzana Vrtalova

Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
The True Worth of Professional Exam Invigilation When schools and colleges across England and Wales prepare for examination periods, the pressure to maintain JCQ compliance while ensuring fair ass
by
Zuzana Vrtalova

Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
With the Easter break and end of term coming up, it’s time to get your payroll sorted! Our Payroll team has outlined the key dates you need to ensure you receive your pay on time. Check out the ta
by
Zuzana Vrtalova

Teaser
Special Educational NeedsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
The landscape of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is transforming. The number of pupils in the UK with special educational needs (SEN) has increased over the last five years. Toda
by
Adam Davies

Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD02YY
Summary
As Spring approaches, it's a critical date for many teachers in the UK who may be contemplating their professional future ahead of the February 28th resignation deadline. While teaching remains on
by
Adam Davies
Register with us
for a choice of classroom roles
Register today
Recent job