Gaelic Learner Education
We deliver Gaelic Learner Education (GLE) using the Scottish Government’s 1+2 language learning approach. This means children learn Gaelic as an additional language from Primary 1 through to the end of secondary school.
Under this approach:
- every child learns one modern language (L2) from Primary 1 to the end of S3
- every child is entitled to learn a second modern language (L3) from Primary 5 onwards
Gaelic can be taught as either L2 or L3.
You can read more about this policy in Language Learning in Scotland: A 1+2 Approach.
Gaelic Language Plan (GLP) commitments
We are committed to promoting and supporting Gaelic across our schools as part of our Gaelic Language Plan (GLP) commitments.
While there is currently no statutory requirement for schools to provide Gaelic Learner Education (GLE), national legislation places a duty on local authorities to promote and support opportunities for learning Gaelic. In line with this, we actively encourage the inclusion of Gaelic within our curriculum and work to expand access for learners wherever possible.
Our approach
We aim to ensure that children and young people have meaningful opportunities to engage with Gaelic as an additional language. This includes:
- supporting schools to deliver Gaelic Learner Education as part of their language offer
- promoting Gaelic within the 1+2 languages policy, typically as an L2 or L3
- providing guidance, resources and professional learning to build staff confidence
We recognise that not all schools are currently able to deliver Gaelic Learner Education directly. In these circumstances, we are committed to ensuring that alternative pathways to learning Gaelic are available.
Alternative pathways
Where Gaelic is not delivered in school, learners can still access high-quality provision through:
- e‑Sgoil, offering live and recorded Gaelic lessons delivered remotely
- Other digital and partnership-based opportunities which support progression in Gaelic learning
These pathways help ensure that geography or staffing constraints do not prevent access to Gaelic.
Online curriculum support
To further support delivery, we provide a structured online curriculum offer for primary schools. This includes:
- progressive learning materials for each stage
- resources aligned to Curriculum for Excellence
- support for teachers delivering Gaelic as L2 or L3, regardless of prior experience
This offer is designed to:
- increase confidence among practitioners
- ensure consistency and progression in learning
- broaden access to Gaelic across all schools
Through these approaches, we continue to strengthen Gaelic within our education system - expanding opportunities for learners while supporting schools in flexible and sustainable ways.
Schools providing GLE
GLE is offered in many schools in the highlands.
View the map of Gaelic Learner Schools
Accessing Gaelic Learner Education
Parents and carers who are interested in Gaelic Learner Education (GLE) are encouraged to contact their local school in the first instance to discuss the opportunities available.
Schools will be able to:
- provide information on current Gaelic provision
- explore how Gaelic may be offered within the school’s language programme (L2 or L3)
- signpost alternative pathways, such as e‑Sgoil or our online curriculum offer, where direct provision is not currently available
Where appropriate, schools can work with families and the local authority to identify suitable options to support access to Gaelic learning.