Thousands of pupils miss out on learning languages after schools drop them

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Many schools have not taught languages courses, including French, German and Spanish, to children over 14 for two years.

It follows Government guidelines in 2004 that relaxed rules making it compulsory to study a foreign language for GCSE.

Critics warned it could damage Britain's "international competitiveness" by depriving students of essential language skills.

Nick Gibb, the Conservative schools spokesman, obtained the figures by asking a written Parliamentary question to the Department for Education and Skills.

He found 25 schools in England did not teach a single GCSE language course in 2006.

He said: "It will have a profound effect on the ability of British-educated children to secure jobs with employers in the global market."

A spokesman at Campion High School, Liverpool, said: "Boys in particular are choosing subjects that are easier to do than French would be."

In March, Education Secretary Alan Johnson pledged to shake up languages teaching by 2010. He said children as young as five should learn Polish, Afghan and even Somali.