A multilingual ladder?

Journal article

Following recent calls for alternative assessment routes, or for a stepped frame of accreditation for languages in England based on the Languages Ladder Assessment Scheme (LLAS), of which Asset Languages was the OCR version (2004–13), this paper outlines a feasible new framework which adopts features of LLAS while differing from it in key respects. The new framework would address some systemic challenges that are currently acting as barriers to the uptake and accreditation of language-learning. The proposal is for a Multilingual Ladder (MLL), consisting of three elements:

 

i the MLL Framework: an over-arching, lifelong framework for learning and accreditation;

ii MLL Assessments: i.e. some new qualifications, complementing but not replacing existing ones (GCSEs and A-levels); both MLL Assessments and GCSEs/A-levels would be encompassed by the MLL Framework;

iii an MLL Profile for each learner.

 

The paper proposes how the MLL would relate not just to GCSEs and A-levels but also to a proposed new certificate in Applied Languages, and to existing qualification- and proficiency-frameworks.

Authors: Kenny, N

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Journal: Language Learning Journal
• Publication date: 2025-09-22
• Acceptance date: 2025-09-01
• DOI: 10.1080/09571736.2025.2557462
• EISSN: 1753-2167
• ISSN: 0957-1736
• Language: English
• Keywords: alternative qualifications; multilingual ladder; Asset Languages; stepped qualifications