Primary school children in France will be encouraged to watch cartoons in English as the government unveils a drive to improve their ability to speak foreign languages on Wednesday.

The measures outlined in a report is part of an attempt to improve France’s lacklustre performance on the linguistic front.

A recent Europe-wide survey placed the country 15th out of 16 in a ranking of how well it taught a main foreign language, and only slightly higher for a second foreign language.

"We know perfectly well that if our Scandinavian neighbours are so good at English it is because they watch films in their original language,” Jean-Michel Blanquer, the French education minister, told RMC radio, adding that state TV would be encouraged to follow suit for children's programmes.

Recommendations will also include teaching a range of subjects including science, history and mathematics in English, and other languages.

"We must be able to use new technology, and also be capable of giving lessons in other subjects in other languages and extend this learning beyond school," said Mr Blanquer.