A level results today suggest that languages need a better profile if students are to understand their importance.

Figures published today show a 3.7% decrease in the overall number of students entering exams in modern languages. The trend for the three most commonly studied languages continues: entries for Spanish are up 4% but down for French (3.4%) and German (3.8%). The surprising decrease of 7.1% of entries in other languages bucks a long-term trend.

Amongst students getting their exam results today are some incredibly talented linguists, as evidenced by the numbers achieving grades A or A*. Continuing their language learning and using their talent in their chosen career will give them an advantage over their monolingual peers in today’s highly competitive national and international jobs markets.

The contrast between the downward trend in languages entries and the resurgence of STEM subjects further highlights the need for languages to be recognised as a valuable core skill, which complements achievement in other areas and enhances opportunities for advanced study, research, employment and leisure.

Kathryn Board, Chief Executive of CILT, the National Centre for Languages, said: ‘I’d like to congratulate all those students celebrating today, particularly our young linguists. I am delighted to see the rise in the numbers taking STEM subjects as young people recognise the opportunities they offer. We want all our young people to have the chance to realise their full potential and for this reason I very much hope those who have achieved such good results in STEM subjects will also work to include a language in their portfolio of skills so they don’t find themselves disadvantaged on the global stage’.

Businesses involved in CILT’s Business Language Champions programme stress the importance of languages to the UK’s success in the global economy. The 300 companies involved, who represent a wide range of sectors including engineering, manufacturing and technology, work closely with schools to communicate the value of languages and cultural awareness alongside other skills to UK business. David Shacklock, Managing Director of Euro London Appointments says: ‘UK business is becoming increasingly tied into one worldwide system, and as such greater global demands are being placed upon business professionals across the board. If you have a good understanding of the local language and cultural awareness of your customer base you gain tremendous advantages in day-to-day business meetings, in negotiations and in building relationships with clients’.