The initial downloads were marketed directly at the students themselves, and that still remains an option. But at the start of last year, the company announced a new model in which the licence was sold to a school itself, and then made freely available to all its students.

The interface was originally designed to be compatible with the iPod Nano, so it is easily simple enough to be read on larger devices such as smartphones or tablets.

While Coxon said the interface works effectively on the iPad, he does add the company are starting to look at the potential of the tablet.

Future developments for the company include the introduction of language podcasts, which will offer a more curriculum-based language learning experience.

Coxon said: “There are an awful lot of things out there, but what they do is target the market of people who want to learn a language to do something like go on holiday. This is for a student who wants to learn so they can pass a GCSE.

“We’re also working on a new version of GCSEpod which will enable users to stream content regardless of their type of device. It will identify the type of connection – whether that’s fixed line, wireless or 3G – and deliver the quality and file size most suited to that connection.

“We view educational media like BBC iPlayer views its media. It’s very popular for schools as they see it as a great way to give resources to students so they can achieve their potential.”