Listen to this story Members can listen to an AI-generated audio version of this article. 1.0x Audio narration uses an AI-generated voice. 0:00 0:00 Become a member to listen to this article Subscribe Ministers are considering replacing the long-running Mandarin Excellence Programme with a new scheme to support the language. Launched under the Conservative government in 2016, the programme aimed to boost Mandarin uptake among pupils and train more Mandarin teachers. It included 鈥渋ntensive鈥� lessons for pupils, enrichment trips to China, retention payments to stop pupils dropping out and professional development opportunities for teachers. Its funding was cut last year, and the current scheme is set to run until August 2027. A was recently published by the DfE, which states that it is 鈥渟eeking to award a contract [鈥 for delivery of a programme to support the teaching of Mandarin in state-funded schools in England鈥�. This will be delivered from September next year 鈥� after the Mandarin Excellence Programme ends 鈥� to August 2030. The notice does not provide much detail, but interested parties and potential bidders will be able to sign up for an online information session on June 17. The DfE confirmed that the notice reflects their desire to continue supporting Mandarin teaching and consider options for this. They added that they expect the intensive study trip to China to remain part of the programme, if feasible. 鈥業nsight into a new culture鈥� Professor Ren茅 Koglbauer, chair of the management board at the Association for Language Learning, welcomed the continued investment in Mandarin. “The programme has transformed the lives of thousands of state school children by developing their Mandarin skills and giving them a greater insight into a new culture. “Also, it has increased the diversity of languages that are offered by schools, shifting away from a predominant focus on European languages.” Cara Bleiman, research lead, primary Chinese consultant and co-ordinator of primary and secondary partnerships at the Harris Federation, also welcomed the decision. But she warned that progression beyond key stage 4 鈥渞emains a challenge鈥�. 鈥淭he current A-level presents a significant barrier, with a steep transition that discourages uptake, especially among non-heritage learners. 鈥淲ith the return of Erasmus, we would also welcome clarity on whether the Turing Fund [a replacement for Erasmus] will continue or what alternative support will exist for non-EU trips abroad.鈥� The Harris Federation does not offer the Mandarin Excellence Programme and has been funded through the Swire Chinese Language Foundation. Funding levels unclear The Mandarin Excellence Programme was delivered by University College London鈥檚 Institute of Education (IOE) and the British Council. It initially aimed to get 鈥渁t least 5,000 young people on track towards fluency in Mandarin Chinese by 2020鈥� 鈥� but this target was exceeded with more than 8,000 pupils taking part. Funding for the programme was cut in September, with schools receiving 拢15,000 a year rather than 拢20,000. Teaching was also reduced from eight hours a week to six, and funding was withdrawn for pupils to visit China. But financial support will continue to help pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds visit China in year 9. A DfE spokesperson said: 鈥淢andarin Chinese plays a significant role in international business, politics and culture, which is why the Department for Education continues to invest in the Mandarin Excellence Programme聽鈥� helping to meet the future business and economic needs of the country.” The notice is for early market engagement, which takes place before a tender for a contract is published. It means it is not 鈥渁 call for competition鈥�, and that the DfE 鈥渞eserves the right not to enter a formal procurement process and not proceed with contract award鈥�. UCL declined to comment.