Secondary schools are considering ditching compulsory foreign language GCSEs in a bid to improve exam result ratings.

A survey released on Friday found three out of 10 comprehensives would like to end compulsory foreign language lessons from age 14 onwards.

Forum Response: Association of Teachers and Lecturers

Gwen Evans, deputy general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, said: "It is disappointing that a further delay has occurred in publishing this long expected strategy. We can only hope that when it does arrive it will be in time to feel like a generous Christmas gift, complete with adequate resources.

"ATL is all too well aware that post-14 language provision is desperately vulnerable in many schools. We fear that this is an area where an otherwise educationally ambitious government is being unduly defeatist.

"We see languages as an essential component of key stage 4 and a highly desirable aspect of a balanced curriculum post-16. Good intentions for primary language learning are simply not enough."

Forum Response: Professional Association of Teachers

Alison Johnston, senior professional officer for PAT, said: "This country has a poor reputation for success in modern languages and we need to take steps to rectify this.

"We are in favour of specialist teaching of modern languages in primary schools. One reason for the low linguistic standards found in our schools is that, for most pupils, language teaching starts too late. Children who are exposed to an additional language at primary school are less self-conscious than adolescents about trying to speak it.

"If we are to produce more competent and confident linguists, we must begin a structured programme of language teaching in the primary phase.

"Unfortunately, what is seen as the best way to improve our modern language skills has fluctuated over recent years.

"Not long ago, modern languages became compulsory for all children at secondary school - a decision never universally accepted, even in schools where there were appropriate teaching staff to implement this.

"Learning a foreign language, at any stage, is challenging, particularly at GCSE and post-16 level. Many less motivated or less able students have been 'turned off' language learning by seeing the examination pass levels as an impossible target for achievement.

"The purpose for which pupils learn a foreign language needs consideration, whether it be to develop cultural diversity or to gain academic achievement. The proposal not to enforce a pupil's entitlement to language learning by reducing the compulsory element of the curriculum at Key Stage 4 is welcome.

"However, a healthy range of language learning and cultural understanding is beneficial for young people. Exposure to both European and other world languages, in context with their interests and social environment, is to be encouraged.

"A system that would encourage pupils with the academic ability to go on to study languages at an advanced level, alongside supporting those whose interest lies in language learning for other purposes, is to be recommended.

Children who succeed at, and enjoy, languages will continue with them throughout their secondary education.

"We are in favour of a more flexible curriculum that is tailored to meet more children's needs, talents and interests. However, we are concerned that there are not be enough appropriately trained teachers available to teach modern foreign languages at either primary or secondary level."

Forum Response: National Union of Teachers

A spokeswoman for the NUT, told ePolitix.com: "This is a very sad move because we are so useless at modern languages in this country.

"Given the difficulty in recruiting modern languages teachers, it is understandable that language subjects are suffering. However it is the issue of recruitment not the dropping of compulsory language learning at GCSE level that should be addressed."