The Global School Alliance is proud to celebrate the more than 1,000 students and 500 schools who took part in this year’s European Day of Languages competition.
Celebrated each year, the European Day of Languages was created to promote linguistic diversity, encourage language learning, and celebrate the cultural richness that languages bring to our communities.
For this year’s competition, we asked students to explore and express in their own words how languages open hearts and minds, both their own and those of others.
Julie Sutcliffe, Education Development Lead, said: “The creativity and passion shown by our young linguists in the European Day of Languages competition was truly inspiring. Their words reminded us that languages are far more than a skill — they are a bridge between people, a way to open hearts and minds, connect cultures and bring people closer together. We were especially moved by the winning entries, whose messages captured the spirit of unity and understanding that language learning brings to the world.”
View the list of 2025 winners:
Secondary Category
1st Place – Jaswant, Year 7 at Greenford High School (UK)
Oumayma Geagea, MFL Teacher at Greenford High School, said: “Congratulations Jaswant on your outstanding achievement! Your entry for the Open Heart and Mind competition beautifully captures the spirit of languages and I hope it will inspire others to see the world with greater openness and compassion. A truly deserving winner—well done on this remarkable accomplishment!”
Runner Up – Pupil at St John the Baptist’s College (Northern Ireland)
Siân Morgan, MFL Teacher at St John the Baptist’s College, said: “This years competition was a resounding success with all our students who worked so hard creating their brilliant posters. Well done to the runners up: Tosia, Lena and Isabella whose poster reflects their multicultural backgrounds and their love of languages and how they connect us all!”
Runner Up – Venuja at Plashet School (UK)
Claire Louot, MFL Teacher at Plashet School, said: “Bravo! Congratulations on your amazing achievement! You obviously found the right recipe to be a runner up in a global language competition. You’ve proven that languages truly speak to both the heart and mind—bridging cultures and inspiring others and uniting us all by speaking to our hearts and minds.”
Runner Up – Pupil at Collège Paul-Émile Victor (France)
Alice Mazella, Teacher at Collège Paul-Émile Victor, said: “Congratulations to Faustine and to the other participants! You make us so proud! Learning languages is an important life skill that opens hearts, minds and doors to a better future for you and for Europe.”
Primary Category
1st Place – Evie at Orchard House School (UK)
Noelia Rivas Gutiérrez, Head of Languages at Orchard House School, said: “Evie has been successful in combining her passion for languages and her creative and artistic flair. Her beautiful calligram includes the language vocabulary relating to the themes of friendship, kindness and love. As a result of Evie’s thoughtful reflection, she has captured how language connects people, builds empathy and broadens perspectives.
Everyone at Orchard House School is incredibly proud of Evie’s efforts and enthusiasm in languages and we would like to congratulate her.”
Runner Up – Year 5 pupil at Stockport Grammar School (UK)
Claire Sharkey, MFL Teacher at Stockport Grammar School, said: “Amara has put great thought and effort into her work, showing real understanding of how languages can open hearts and minds with an important message of friendship and love. Well done for your fantastic entry, Amara!”
Runner Up – Pupil at Chałupki Dębniańskie (Poland)
