Since September 2004 it is no longer a statutory requirement that all students study a modern foreign language at key stage 4. However, schools must provide access for all students to a minimum of one course in a modern foreign language that leads to a qualification approved under Section 96 of the Learning and Skills Act 2000.

Schools must provide access to at least one such course in an official language of the European Union, but may in addition offer courses in any other modern foreign language that lead to approved qualifications.

Further information, guidance and case studies about statutory entitlement areas at key stage 4 can be accessed from QCA's 14–19 website.

QCA has also published a booklet Modern foreign languages in the key stage 4 curriculum which can be downloaded from the right-hand menu. This publication sets out the statutory requirements and non-statutory guidelines for modern foreign languages at key stage 4. It suggests different courses that schools might offer and includes information of qualifications.

A hard copy of the publication can be ordered from QCA Orderline. The order reference number is QCA/04/1300.