Two thirds of teenagers intend to work abroad in Europe or Asia when they leave school even though most of them speak no foreign language, government research has found.

More than half (58 per cent) of 11-18 year olds say they have no foreign language skills whatsoever, yet 66 per cent are planning to work for up to two years in Italy, Spain, France or China.

The research, published today, is further evidence that most young people assume they can get by in a foreign country by speaking English, and comes just weeks after official GCSE data showed the number of children taking formal exams in foreign languages has fallen yet again.

Amongst the largest falls in entries in 2008 were French, down by 14,778 to 201,940, or 6.8 per cent. Entries for German were down by 4,366 to 76,695, or 5.4 per cent.

However, entries in Spanish continued to rise, by 3,114 to 67,092 , up 4.9 per cent.

In 2004, pupils were allowed to drop languages in Key Stage 4, the two GCSE years. Since then the numbers taking a GCSE qualification have fallen from about three quarters of the age group to half, with the biggest decline being in state comprehensives.

Although there is no intention among ministers to make foreign languages compulsory again at GCSE, they are trying to encourage more language teaching in primary schools, in the hope that it will make children want to continue to GCSE level.

The new research found nine out of ten youngsters intend to work abroad, when English speaking nations such as the US and Australia were included with 66 per cent saying they want to go to countries where another language is spoken. Italy and France were the most popular destinations with teenagers saying they were attracted to the warmer climate and lower cost of living.

The government will use the findings in a new campaign to be launched today to try and persuade more school pupils to take languages to GSCE. It hopes they will have been inspired by their summer holidays in Europe or beyond.

Jim Knight, Minister for schools, said it was vital for the future success of the economy that more children speak foreign languages.

“It’s fantastic to see the next generation of young people are hoping to spread their wings and strengthen Britain’s links to the rest of the world. This research is yet more proof that we need to equip today’s youth with the tools to succeed in the international marketplace – which means encouraging all young people to improve their language skills,” he said.

“Having more young people able to speak a second language is vital to the future success of the UK economy, which is why the government is taking steps to ensure that all young people have the opportunity to learn a language.” Donna Dawson, a psychologist and agony aunt who has been drafted in by the Government to head up the “Try life in another language” campaign, said people who try and get by using English when they go abroad are missing out.

“Living or working abroad is a great way to broaden your horizons, make new friends and have experiences that will benefit you throughout your life. But to really make the most of being in new and exciting places, it’s important to immerse yourself in the culture, so learning the language is really key. Having language skills will be a huge advantage when finding your feet in another country,” she said.

Times Recommends

• Ashes bid in chaos as big gamble fails
• Private schools secretly put up for sale
• Council tax debt-chasers on £600 an hour