The Scottish Government’s policy, Language Learning in Scotland: A 1+2 Approach, is aimed at ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn two additional languages in the primary school. Second language (L2) acquisition begins from P1 onwards. A third language (L3) is then introduced by the time pupils are in P5. More information on this policy can be found on the Education Scotland website (link).

In English medium education, Gaelic is an option as part of children’s and young people’s entitlement to learning a language. In this case, education authorities may decide that Gaelic is the first or second additional language (L2 or L3).