Primary Languages Network Wins “Highly Commended” at the Teach Primary Awards
We’re thrilled to share some exciting news. Primary Languages Network has been awarded Highly Commended in the Foundation Category at this year’s Teach Primary Awards!
For anyone who knows the current landscape of primary education, you’ll appreciate just how significant this is. Primary languages often sit low on the list of school priorities, so to gain national recognition in the Foundation Category — competing with subjects like PE, Computing, and the Arts — is a massive achievement not just for us, but for the visibility of languages in primary schools.
So, why did we win? What makes our work stand out to industry experts, schools, and teachers across the UK?
Let’s take a closer look at the five key reasons that make Primary Languages Network truly unique.
In-Class Support for Non-Specialist Teachers
The biggest reason behind our success is the in-class support we provide for non-specialist teachers through our Video2Teach scheme of work and its brand-new version.
A video2teach lesson page with your native virtual teacher
Used by tens of thousands of teachers nationwide, this tool has been transformational in helping teachers who aren’t fluent in French or Spanish deliver engaging, accurate lessons with confidence. It’s structured, supportive, and efficient — allowing teachers to gradually build their own skills and ownership of the language while providing pupils with a consistent and high-quality experience.
“It’s been revolutionary for our school — it’s completely changed how we deliver languages.”
– PLN Member School
A Clear and Simple Line of Progression
Our four-step progression framework ensures both teachers and pupils can clearly see and understand progress from Year 3 to Year 6.
We’ve deliberately kept it simple, realistic, and aligned with attainment targets, avoiding the overcomplication often found in other schemes. This clarity helps schools maintain consistency and gives pupils a real sense of achievement as they move up through the years.
Outstanding Ongoing Support and Training
At PLN, our support doesn’t stop once you join. We provide year-round training and guidance , both live and pre-recorded, at no extra cost.
This includes:
An example of our modular upskilling
Whole-school CPD and coordination consultations
Modular, bite-sized upskilling for teachers (with built-in quizzes)
Half-termly network meetings on current topics and themes
Our mission is to empower every teacher to feel confident and equipped, whether they’re brand new to teaching languages or looking to refine their practice.
Simple and Effective Writing Solutions
Writing in another language can be daunting for pupils and teachers alike, but our Rainbow Writing Frames and new workbooks make it straightforward and effective.
These tools remove the need for endless sticking and gluing, and instead provide structured, scaffolded writing opportunities that develop accuracy and confidence.
We focus on accuracy and repetition before memory, gradually removing scaffolding as pupils progress, enabling them to demonstrate real understanding and independence in their writing.
Language Boosters: Learning Through Play
Language boosters gamifies and consolidates classroom learning
We’ve gamified the learning process with Language Boosters, our brand-new games app that supports vocabulary, phonics, and grammar practice outside the classroom.
After each lesson, pupils can play games to reinforce what they’ve learned and teachers can track progress to see which areas might need more focus.
It’s fun, effective, and seamlessly aligned with our schemes of work, and best of all, it’s included in every membership.
Listening, Evolving, and Growing Together
What truly underpins everything we do is listening, to our members, our teachers, and our schools.
Every improvement we make comes from understanding what schools actually need and finding smart, sustainable ways to meet those needs. This award is recognition of that philosophy — and a celebration of the dedication of our team and our community.
But this isn’t the end of our journey. If anything, it’s just the beginning.
Book a free trial, explore our resources, and see for yourself why so many schools trust Primary Languages Network to bring French and Spanish to life.