Education in Welsh

All children have the opportunity to learn through the medium of Welsh or English. Bilingualism is introduced as early as possible.

Welsh is part of the National Curriculum and is taught both as a first and second language, depending on the school.

Primary schools

In English medium primary schools, subjects are taught through the medium of English, with Welsh being introduced at an early age. Pupils are encouraged to speak Welsh during the day.

In Welsh medium primary schools all subjects are taught through the medium of Welsh. English is taught as a subject in its own right.

In bilingual (dual stream) primary schools, pupils can choose to learn through the medium of Welsh or English.

Secondary schools

At secondary school, Welsh is taught as a subject (either as first or second language), and is a compulsory subject at GCSE, along with English, Maths and Science.

Where Welsh is taught as a first language, pupils study language and literature, in a similar way to English language and literature. Welsh studied as a second language is taught in a similar way to modern foreign languages.

In English medium secondary schools, all subjects are taught through the medium of English, with Welsh being taught as a second language. In Welsh medium secondary schools, all subjects are taught through the medium of Welsh and Welsh is taught as a first language. In bilingual schools, pupils can choose to study subjects through the medium of Welsh or English.