This post explains what it often means and how to respond calmly.
What do you do when your child says they hate English?
Treat “I hate English” as a clue, not a conclusion. It rarely means a settled hatred of reading and writing. It usually stands for “I keep failing”, “I’m bored” or “I don’t understand what’s wanted”, and each has a different fix.
So do not argue your child out of the feeling, and do not give in to it. Work out which frustration is really talking.
When it means “I keep failing”
This is the most common cause. A student who works hard but still gets disappointing grades may decide the subject is not for them. “I hate English” is easier to say than “I feel stupid at English.”
The answer is one specific, winnable target, such as explaining an effect or planning a paragraph. Success at concrete things eases this feeling faster than any pep talk. Our guide on good at English versus good at the exam explains why bright students can still underperform.
When it means “I’m bored”
Boredom is a real signal. The work may be too easy, or the student may be so lost that they have switched off. These look the same from outside but need opposite responses.
Ask what exactly is boring. “The books are stupid” and “I don’t get what she wants” are very different complaints.
When it means “I don’t know what’s wanted”
English can feel random when nobody has shown a student what earns marks. That feels unfair, and resentment follows.
Making the marking criteria clear helps the subject stop feeling like a lottery. The details for each paper are on our qualification pages.
Advice like this is easier to act on with a teacher beside you. A paid one-hour trial starts from your child's own writing.
When it means “I’d rather do something else”
Sometimes English simply competes with sport, friends and phones. Not every child will love English, and that is fine. The goal is competence and a willingness to do the work.
Our guide on motivating a reluctant reader explains how to reduce friction, which is often the more realistic aim.
How should you have the conversation?
Lead with curiosity. “What’s the worst part of it?” works better than “you don’t really hate it”. Listen fully before responding, and avoid defending the school or the subject straight away.
Avoid two traps: treating the statement as a crisis, or brushing it off. The steady middle is “I hear you, let’s work out what’s actually wrong.”
Does the hatred have to become love?
No. Plenty of successful students never love English, but they do it well and without stress. Aiming for calm acceptance is more realistic, and it often leads to real interest later.
How our teachers help
When the feeling comes from failing or feeling lost, one-to-one lessons often turn it around. In our one-to-one IGCSE English tuition, experienced English teachers find the specific habit behind the struggle and practise the fix on your child’s own writing.
As your child sees themselves improve, “I hate English” tends to fade. You can read more in how we teach.
If frustration with English has become a regular complaint at home, book a paid one-hour trial lesson. The teacher will find what is really causing the struggle and give your child an early, concrete win.