Advice on collecting language data

Collecting data on first language enables schools, LAs and central Government to cross-reference it with attainment data, thus enabling effective monitoring of pupils' achievement.

Good quality language data can provide schools with a better understanding of the linguistic and cultural heritages of their pupils and of the communities they serve. Collecting the information also gives a clear message to children and parents that their identity is recognised and valued within the school community.

Language Mapping  173kb: This document is an extensive language mapping reference document giving variant names of languages with mappings to the new language categories. Column D is the most helpful as you can check if the language is in a subset of the main language category.

Use the full list of languages. Try not to use ‘Other than English’ or ‘Believed to be other than English’ as it is preferable to record accurate and detailed language data.