In response to a Parliamentary Question asked by Philip Dunne MP it has been revealed that the number of pupils in Shropshire being entered for a modern language at GCSE has decreased by 29% in the past five years.Information released by the Department of Education and Skills in response to a Parliamentary Question asked by Philip Dunne, MP for Ludlow, has shown that the number of pupils in Shropshire being entered for a modern language at GCSE has decreased by 29% in the past five years.

The figures reflect a decline in the study of foreign languages in state schools after the Government made them optional in 2004.

Mr Dunne said: "It is worrying for the future economic competitiveness of our country that fewer pupils are studying core GCSE's such as modern languages, as these are the subjects that matter to universities and employers. Instead, pupils are being entered for non-core subjects that help push schools further up the league tables.

The news comes after it was also revealed that across the country, independent schools are outperforming the state sector by producing a far higher proportion of A-grade students in science and modern languages.