Government's Decision to End Latin Funding Sparks Concern Among Educators and Students

Latin Learning at Risk as Government Ends Funding for Popular Education Programme

The Latin Excellence Programme (LEP), launched in 2021, aimed to increase Latin uptake in state schools by providing funding and resources. However, the government's decision to end LEP funding may force GCSE Latin students to drop the subject or self-teach. School leaders and scholars are urging the Department for Education to reconsider, allowing students to complete their courses and giving schools time to find alternative support. The Department for Education announced it would cut funding for the Latin Excellence Programme, which currently supports Latin lessons for over 8,000 pupils at 40 state schools. This decision, part of broader cost-cutting measures, will leave some schools without qualified Latin teachers after next month.

Tom Holland, author and host of The Rest Is History, supported continued funding for the programme, launched in 2021. He argued that Latin is essential for understanding English literature, art history, and the language of the church, and should not be restricted to private schools. Holland warned that if Latin became confined to private schools, it would restrict access for those who can't afford it and imply that the study of history, literature, and art is for the elite. He questioned whether that was the message the government wanted to send. He noted that Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, raised near Jarrow where Bede wrote the first history of England in Latin, must recognize the value of Latin. Lawrence Foley, CEO of Future Academies Trust, expressed concern that the cuts would disrupt up to 1,000 students in years 10 and 11 midway through their GCSE Latin courses, creating a "perfect storm" for schools with tight budgets and mid-year funding cuts.

Foley said while they expected funding cuts due to fiscal challenges, they didn’t anticipate such a sudden withdrawal. He warned that Year 10 students, four months into their GCSE courses, could face schools cutting Latin or assigning unqualified teachers to supervise their studies. He noted that many schools, previously part of the programme, were now unwilling to offer Latin without specialist support. As a result, school leaders wrote to Phillipson requesting funding until August to prevent disruption and allow time for alternative plans. The DfE stated it would work with schools to minimize the impact on students. A spokesperson highlighted that education was a priority, with an additional £2.3bn for schools, but noted the need for difficult decisions due to a £22bn budget shortfall. While ending the Latin Excellence programme, they assured that the curriculum review would prepare students for the future.

Professors and department heads from top British universities wrote to The Guardian, urging Phillipson to reconsider ending the Latin Excellence programme, which successfully encouraged students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Llewelyn Morgan, a professor at Oxford, argued that Latin sparked creativity and enthusiasm, but noted its elitist image may have contributed to its perception as a luxury subject, with many not protesting its cancellation.

William Bearcroft, head of Latin at Phoenix Academy in West London, highlighted the social justice aspect of teaching Latin. While acknowledging Latin’s reputation for prestige and difficulty, he disagreed, stressing that excelling in it empowered students from deprived backgrounds. Bearcroft hoped their success would help them stand out in university applications. The discontinuation of the Latin Excellence Programme presents a significant challenge for state school pupils studying Latin, highlighting the need for continued support and funding to ensure that the study of this valuable subject remains accessible to all students, regardless of their background.

Editor's Note:

The government's decision to stop funding the Latin Excellence Programme is a major setback for state school students learning Latin. This decision could disrupt the education of thousands and highlight the need for continued support to ensure all students, no matter their background, can benefit from the cultural and intellectual advantages of Latin. Latin is important for understanding English Literature and is the foundation of many modern languages like Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Romanian. Learning Latin can help with understanding the vocabulary, grammar, and structure of these languages. Latin is not just a language; it's a key to unlocking the rich history and intellectual traditions of Western culture, offering valuable skills for both personal and academic growth.

Skoobuzz encourages policymakers to rethink the importance of programs like this for a well-rounded education.