The target language revisited

•Student teachers receive mixed messages about use of the target language (TL).•Student teachers fall into line with the TL practice of school colleagues.•Student teachers' mentors are a major influence on their TL use.•Behaviour management, examinations and inspection are key concerns.•A research informed, agreed TL policy is overdue.

This article reports on a study on the use of the target language (TL) in foreign language classrooms, drawing on the perspectives of student teachers and practising teachers. Observational and group discussion data showed that TL use was not extensive. While student teachers and practising teachers shared a commitment to using the TL, this was undermined by several factors, notably inconsistencies between university and school positions on TL use, challenging classes, external inspection and examinations. Lack of coherence between student teachers' experiences at university and in schools has implications not only for languages but also other subjects in teacher preparation.