Cambridge drops need for foreign language
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Cambridge University applicants will no longer need a GCSE in a modern foreign language to win a place, following the biggest shake-up of its entrance requirements for nearly half a century.
The 800-year-old university argues that it is unfair to continue to demand that all applicants have at least a C grade in a language GCSE when many schools no longer require students to take the subject.
Dr Geoff Parks, director of admissions for the Cambridge colleges, said: "This change would remove something which has, unfortunately, become a significant barrier impeding access to Cambridge. We would still encourage all young people to learn a foreign language, and highlight the fact that students at Cambridge are able to study no fewer than 140 different languages through the provision at our excellent language centre."
The decision was taken after ministers dropped foreign languages from the national curriculum for 14-year-olds in 2004. Since then, the number of state schools requiring students to take a language GCSE has plummeted. In 2000, 80 per cent of students studied a foreign language at GCSE level. The proportion has fallen to below 50 per cent.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments