This summer’s results were the first with the new specification and the new arrangements for the speaking exam. We are disappointed that there has been a further decline in numbers taking languages, especially in French and German. We urge the Government to take action to address the issue of severe grading: this affects both GCSE and A-level in state and independent sectors. It is more important than ever that language teachers are supported by ensuring that there is transparency in the exam grading process and a level playing field right through to A* at A-level. The tinkering with UCAS points suggested by David Willetts is too little, too late; we need to ensure that there is sufficient confidence in the public exam grading process to avoid discouraging talented students from ever taking up languages.