Not allowing Language if Poor Engl/maths grades

[Verbena37]

Hi,
Does anyone know if it's common practice for secondary (yr9) not to be allowed to take a language if their English and Maths grades are below where they should be?

Current HT saying new yr 9s (3 tier system) won't be allowed to learn one of two languages unless their maths and English grades are high enough.

Whilst in principle, I believe their maths and English GCSEs are important (obviously) but I feel that if they have a high altitude for languages, they should have the choice to take them as an option.

I absolutely agree with everything QueenofNothing has said, especially this: There is no school you'll like 100%

Latin isn't only useful for English Grammar - it's the basis of a lot of European languages, so will make picking any up later in life much easier.
It's also very useful for history (you tried reading any gravestones recently?) and I have a friend doing medicine who said the fact she did Latin at school has put her a SUCH an advantage - thinking about it, that would apply to a lot of science.

'I don't understand why all the changes are needed.'

Well you wouldn't, you're not the head with the full range of data and knowledge about the students. I'm sure he hasn't made changes just for the banter. You have to trust him.

If they adversely affect your dc then complain and move, but not offering an MFL to the weakest students seems reasonable and presumably won't affect you.