Mandarin seen as most beneficial non-European language by UK parents
UK parents are keen to see their children learn Mandarin Chinese due to the usefulness of the language, according to a new study.
The Populus survey was commissioned as part of the Mandarin Excellence Programme and questioned more than 1,000 UK adults with children under the age of 18. It was shown that Mandarin was viewed by parents as one of the most important languages for young Britons, with 35 per cent of those surveyed ranking it among the top three most valuable languages for their children's futures.
When asked specifically about Mandarin, 51 per cent of parents said they thought learning the language would boost their children's career prospects, while 56 per cent thought it would open their children's minds to an exciting and dynamic culture. Meanwhile, 51 per cent said they would like their children to have the opportunity to study Mandarin, with 27 per cent saying they would actively encourage their children to learn the language.
Overall, Mandarin was ranked as the most important non-European language for young people in the UK to speak, well ahead of both Arabic and Japanese.
Mark Herbert, head of schools programmes at the British Council, said: "Mandarin Chinese is one of the languages that matter most to the UK's future prosperity.
"If the UK is to remain competitive on the world stage, we need far more of our young people leaving school with a good grasp of Mandarin in order to successfully work abroad or for businesses here in the UK."
The Mandarin Excellence Programme is the first language learning initiative of its kind in the UK and, since being launched by the Department for Education in September 2016, has seen hundreds of secondary school pupils in England start intensive Mandarin lessons.
It is hoped that at least 5,000 young people in England will be on track to achieve a high level of fluency in Mandarin Chinese by 2020 through this programme.
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£130 - 240 per day
Location free text
Liverpool
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Other
Location
Liverpool
Description
SEN Teacher| LiverpoolWe are looking for a passionate SEN Teacher to join a supportive and forward-thinking team, helping students from Key Stage 2 to post-16 reach their full potential.You’ll deliver
Reference
Teacher Liverpool
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£30k - 40k per year
Location free text
Thrapston
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Other
Location
Northamptonshire
Description
Permanent Teacher – Empower Futures with us Location: Thrapston Join Our Education Revolution!Are you a passionate Teacher who believes every young person deserves a fresh start and a future full o
Reference
Teacher-Thrapston
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£30.9k - 41.2k per year
Location free text
Liverpool
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Other
Location
Liverpool
Description
Location: Liverpool Join Our Education Revolution!Are you a passionate Teacher who believes every young person deserves a fresh start and a future full of possibility? With us wellbeing isn’t just a
Reference
Teacher-Liverpool
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£30.9k - 41.2k per year
Location free text
Liverpool
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Other
Location
Liverpool
Description
Teacher – Permanent Role | Liverpool Location: LiverpoolMake a Real Difference Every DayAre you a passionate and dedicated Teacher looking for a rewarding role where you can positively impact young
Reference
Teacher- Liverpool
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£175 - 230 per day
Location free text
Heywood
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
£100 - £199 per day
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Drama
Location
Greater Manchester
Description
One of our partnered secondary schools are looking for a dedicated and innovative Performing Arts Teacher who can support across KS3 and KS4. The successful candidate will start this Autumn supporting
Reference
377PA
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester North SecondaryAuthor
Manchester North SecondarySalary
£20 - 40 per hour
Location free text
Heywood
Job Type
Part Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
£20 - £29 per hour
£30 per hour and above
Sector
English
Location
Greater Manchester
Description
We’re seeking a part-time tutor to support as an English tutor for 2 hours a day, 2 days a week. You will be supporting the pupil at the school, working with small groups and 1:1.The school is a well-
Reference
13ENGTUTOR
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester North SecondaryAuthor
Manchester North SecondarySalary
£100 - 120 per day
Location free text
Rochdale
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
Less than £20,000
£20,000 - £29,999
£100 - £199 per day
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Rochdale
Description
Are you a confident individual who has experience supporting young people in the pressures they face daily?We are looking for a Behaviour Support Assistant to work with pupils in our partnered seconda
Reference
122BSROCHD
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester North SecondaryAuthor
Manchester North SecondarySalary
£32,916 - 46,940 per year
Location free text
Farnborough
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Science
Location
Hampshire
Description
Science TeacherFull-Time | Secondary School | KS3 and KS4Teaching Personnel is working in partnership with an ambitious and rapidly improving secondary school to recruit an enthusiastic and knowledgea
Reference
Science 112
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Hampshire SecondaryAuthor
Hampshire SecondarySalary
£34,069 - 49,084 per year
Location free text
Andover
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Maths
Location
Andover
Description
Maths Teacher – Andover Start Date: November | Full-Time | PermanentTeaching Personnel is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Maths Teacher to join a thriving secondary school in Andover, Hampshi
Reference
Maths 119
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Hampshire SecondaryAuthor
Hampshire SecondarySalary
£25 - 30 per hour
Location free text
Chesterfield
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Chesterfield
Description
Core Subject Tutor - Chesterfield (S43) Location: S43, Chesterfield Hours: Part-Time, Weekdays During School Hours Pay: £25 - £30 per hour, dependent on experience and qualificationsAbout the Role
Reference
16/10Core-S43
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North TuitionAuthor
North TuitionRelated posts
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
October marks Black History Month in the UK, giving schools an opportunity to celebrate the achievements, contributions and experiences of Black communities while encouraging meaningful conversati
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
As ADHD Awareness Month shines a spotlight on neurodiversity, Teaching Personnel's Ellen shares her experience of being diagnosed with ADHD later in life and how greater awareness and understandi
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
As we celebrate National Teaching Assistants' Day 2026, we're delighted to recognise the incredible individuals who have been selected as our Teaching Assistant of the Year winners.This year,
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
After a well-earned summer break, schools across the UK are opening their doors once again for a new academic year. Whether you're returning to a familiar classroom or starting a new role, Septemb
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD08YY
Summary
As schools and trusts prepare for changes to the way temporary staff are sourced from September 2026, many will look to work more closely with framework-approved recruitment partners. Understandin
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
Summer has only just started, and September might seem a long way off, but it will be here sooner than you think. Schools and trusts are already planning for September, with new opportunities open
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
Education NewsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
As schools and trusts prepare for September 2026, the shift from CCS (Crown Commercial Service) to the new GCA (Government Commercial Agency) framework marks a significant change in how supply sta
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
When schools wind down for the holidays, nurseries keep open. Many early-years settings remain open throughout the summer. Nurseries rely on skilled, caring staff to help children and
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
Exams are one of the most stressful times in the academic year, and it isn’t only pupils who feel the pressure. For teaching assistants (TAs) and support staff, exam season brings new expectations
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
If you’re considering taking the next step in education, you’re not alone. More teachers and support staff are exploring permanent roles that offer stability, progression, and a sense of belonging
by
Adam Davies
Register with us
for work in schools across England & Wales
Register today
Recent job