This paper considers the uptake of modern foreign languages by pupils in England in year 11. The sources include data from a questionnaire administered as part of a 1984 Assessment of Performance Unit survey and from databases of GCSE examination results from 1997 and 1999. This paper explores uptake by gender and ability. In addition, the number of languages studied by pupils at this age is investigated.

Uptake is also considered by centre type because the National Curriculum applies only to pupils attending state-maintained schools. The effects of the introduction of the National Curriculum and subsequent modifications are also described.