An Aberystwyth secondary school will not offer a French GCSE in September due to a claimed lack of students wanting to study it, leading to fears that modern languages could be marginalised, the Cambrian News can reveal.

Ysgol Penglais school has axed its French GCSE provision from September, saying poor student numbers have rendered it financially unviable amid funding cuts and low staffing levels.

Fears have been raised that the move could lead to other non-core subjects being axed at GCSE and A-level as school finances come under increased pressure.

Concerns have also been raised that the move will endanger the future of Aberystwyth’s oldest twinning links with St Brieuc in Brittany – a relationship that dates back 45 years.

Ceredigion County Council said that, while “teaching modern languages is important for schools in Ceredigion”, a lack of pupils meant the French GCSE course would not run this September.

It added the situation would be “reviewed” each year.

One parent, who did not want to be named, said pupils “would like to take French and are not being allowed to do so”.

“People have worked hard over the years to establish twinning links with France and our twinning has thrived,” the parent said.

“This link was established way back in 1974 and St Brieuc is the oldest twin town for Aberystwyth.

“It would be a shame for a lack of French provision at school level to impact on the interest for the twinning in the future."

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