National German A-level Class (NGAC)
Starting in Autumn 2026, the pilot National German A-level Class aims to address a clear and growing gap in provision. Across the country, many students reach the end of their GCSE German journey only to find that progression to A-level is not possible. The NGAC seeks to ensure that students who wish to continue with German can do so, regardless of their school’s individual circumstances.
The NGAC
Imagine if every student who wished to study A-level German could do so in their own sixth form.
Across England, students are encouraged to choose any A-levels they wish at 16—yet many who select German are later told that their school cannot run the course due to low uptake. This challenge restricts access to modern languages and limits student choice.
The Goethe-Institut UK, in collaboration with Languages for All, is working to change this narrative.
We are inviting schools to join a pilot of the National German A-level Class (NGAC)—a collaborative model designed to make A-level German viable and accessible, regardless of cohort size.
How the NGAC Works
Shared Teaching Model
A-level German is delivered jointly between:- The Partner School German Teacher (in-person)
- The NGAC Teacher from the Goethe-Institut UK (live online)
- 2 hours of in-person teaching delivered by the class teacher at each partner school
- 2 hours of live online lessons delivered live directly by the Goethe-Institut UK
- 1 hour of asynchronous learning, including listening activities and independent tasks
What the Goethe-Institut UK offers:
A fully planned curriculum for the online and asynchronous lessons - aligned with the AQA A-level German (7662) specification - will be developed by the Goethe-Institut UK to ensure pedagogical consistency, up-to-date cultural content, and the highest quality of teaching resources.Executive Summary
Who the Programme Is For
The pilot National German A-level Class is designed for state schools and sixth form colleges that currently offer GCSE German but face challenges in sustaining A-level German due to small cohort sizes. Many schools find that reduced numbers—often caused by feeder schools discontinuing German or broader shifts in uptake—make it financially and logistically difficult to run a full A-level class.
Partner Schools will have a qualified German specialist on staff but may lack the student numbers required to consistently deliver the full A-level course (180 guided learning hours per academic year). The NGAC model helps bridge this gap by providing a shared, sustainable approach to delivery.
Who the Programme Is Not For
The National German A-level Class is not intended for schools seeking a fully remote or fully outsourced solution.
In-person teaching remains a proven and essential component of effective language learning, supporting higher attainment, stronger relationships, and greater student satisfaction. The NGAC model is not designed to replace existing in-person A-level German provision in schools that are already able to offer the subject, even with smaller numbers.
