The number of students taking foreign language GCSE exams is set to plummet in the next few years, as the subjects become non-compulsory elements of the curriculum. The number of students wishing to learn Italian or learn Spanish ( those taking Italian courses and Spanish courses) is approaching an all time low and the situation looks set to worsen in the near future. Head teachers are concerned that within nine years, when children just starting education will come to make their GCSE choices, language learning will effectively die within UK state schools.

The SHA (Secondary Heads Association) is concerned that secondary schools will employ less modern language teachers as demand for the subjects declines. The worry, however, runs deeper than that as languages are still compulsory in most independent schools, so an independent/state school divide will emerge in languages. French courses and German courses are still compulsory in many public schools, as parents feel that their children should learn French and learn German in order to communicate effectively abroad.

This is in stark contrast with many of our European neighbours, where language learning is more highly prized than ever. Schools in Scandinavia, the Netherlands and Germany consistently produce highly skilled linguists, many of whom can speak three or more languages to a conversational standard. In some European schools, Turkish courses are offered for students wishing to learn Turkish. Since Turkey joined the EU, this has become even more relevant, as business links with the 'gateway to the Middle East' are increasingly important to many companies who wish to benefit both from the country's strategic positioning and vibrant culture.

Language learning in the UK is comparable to the standards of language learning in modern day Russia. This situation is rather depressing as Britain has had plenty of opportunity to work on a coherent language policy for school children. Russian Courses, for example, are unavailable in British schools. Children who wish to learn Russian have to study independently, be that through private lessons or through undertaking a Linguaphone-style course.

It is universally agreed amongst headteachers in the state sector that the government should focus more on language learning in British schools. This situation mst be remedied sooner rather than later as we are almost in a position where the profession of 'modern language teacher' has fallen off the list of career choices for young people.

The situation as it stands doesn't look good for Britain's future linguistic capabilities. A government which came to power with chants of 'education, education, education' seems to have disregarded one massive area of education and seems set on incubating generations of philistines. This misguided policy will go down as one of New Labour's great failures in years to come.