PLN vs. Rigolo: Which French Scheme Is Best for Today’s Primary Classrooms?
If you're a school still using Rigolo, you might be wondering whether it's time to move on. While Rigolo was once a popular choice for French in UK primary schools, the demands of modern classrooms—especially those led by non-specialist teachers—have changed.
Here’s a head-to-head comparison between Primary Languages Network (PLN) and Rigolo to help you decide which scheme best supports high-quality, confidence-driven language learning.
Curriculum Coverage & Structure
PLN
✅ Fully aligned with the National Curriculum for KS2
✅ Year-by-year scheme with termly structure and progression
✅ Covers French from EYFS to Year 6 (plus Spanish & German options)
Rigolo
✅ Designed for Key Stage 2, based on the National Curriculum (originally from 2005 reforms)
⚠️ Often used in bits due to its outdated sequencing or mismatched year group content
⚠️ Some lessons feel dated and can lack continuity year-to-year
Advantage: PLN — A clearer, modern curriculum structure that grows with your school.
Teacher Support
PLN
✅ Video2Teach2: Lessons led by a virtual language specialist alongside the teacher
✅ Built-in training videos and CPD
✅ Ideal for non-specialist teachers delivering MFL
Rigolo
✅ Offers animated characters and a digital pupil book
⚠️ Assumes teacher-led delivery with some French knowledge
⚠️ No built-in support or training for nervous or unconfident staff
Advantage: PLN — Teachers don’t need to know French to teach it confidently.
In-Class Delivery Experience
PLN
✅ Real teachers and native speakers on screen
✅ Clear lesson structure: introduction, repetition, games, activities
✅ Designed to “press play and teach”
✅ Pupils interact with a real human, not just characters
Rigolo
✅ Animated stories and characters (e.g., Jake and Polly in France)
✅ Some interactivity, but lacks variety in lesson types
⚠️ Engagement depends on liking the cartoon style
Advantage: PLN — More real-world, authentic interaction and better for pupil engagement.
Ease of Use
PLN
✅ Simple-to-use VLE platform
✅ Resources sorted by year group, term, and week
✅ No guesswork—just follow the sequence
Rigolo
⚠️ Many schools only use parts of Rigolo due to confusing structure
⚠️ Teachers often need to supplement it with extra resources
✅ Digital pupil books and CD-ROMs were useful… 10 years ago
Advantage: PLN — Cleaner, modern, and built for today’s classrooms and teachers.
Content Quality & Updates
PLN
✅ Regularly updated with fresh content
✅ Culturally relevant topics and seasonal additions
✅ Feedback-led improvements from schools
Rigolo
⚠️ Content hasn't changed in years
⚠️ Animation and interface feel dated
⚠️ No updates or interactive features that match modern expectations
Advantage: PLN — Keeps pace with what teachers and pupils need now.
Cost & Value
PLN
✅ One subscription includes French, Spanish & German
✅ Includes CPD, in-lesson support, full resource access
✅ Affordable and cost-effective even for small schools
Rigolo
✅ One-off purchase model was once attractive
⚠️ No updates, support, or development
⚠️ May require topping up with extra resources or schemes
Advantage: PLN — Better value long-term with ongoing support and new features.
Final Verdict
Rigolo had its time. It introduced many schools to primary French, but it hasn't moved with the times.
Primary Languages Network (PLN) offers a full support system for schools in 2025—video-led lessons, confident delivery by any teacher, and full progression planning. If your school wants to modernise MFL teaching without overloading staff, PLN is the clear step forward.
Still using Rigolo?
Book a free PLN demo and see what you’re missing.