THE decline in GCSE entrants for modern languages has prompted the Institute of Directors to question the level of basic skills among school leavers.

The Kent branch of the IoD has called for the Government to focus more on English and maths since the GCSE results came out on Thursday.

Alyson Howard, chairman of the Kent branch of the IoD, said: "The starting point for employers recruiting staff is surely to have access to candidates with basic literacy and numeracy skills. We are not there yet.

"If individuals lack these skills, workplace training and development, or progression into further and higher education, becomes much more difficult."

Kent’s warning comes after the Secondary Heads Association called for an urgent Government review into the matter.

The pattern of higher grades and lower entries seen in this year’s results was due to weaker students switching out of languages and double science GCSEs.

The IoD added that the recently published National Test results for 11-year-olds shows that 21 per cent did not reach the standard expected of them in English, and 25 per cent did not reach the standard in maths.

Only 44 per cent of 15-year-old pupils achieved grades A* to C in English and maths in 2003/4.

Ms Howard added: "The Government needs to take three steps. Firstly, ensure pupils can achieve only good grades in English and maths if they show a mastery of functional literacy and numeracy.

"Secondly, recruit more maths teachers, and thirdly, ensure students on vocational courses also have English and maths skills."