Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Act 2025: A Roadmap to a Bilingual Future

The Welsh Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to significantly boost the Welsh language's prominence and usage across the nation, with the introduction of the Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Act 2025. This legislation is a pivotal step in the government's strategy to have at least one million Welsh speakers by 2050, alongside increasing the language's usage in everyday life.

Key Highlights of the Act:

1. Ambitious Language Targets:

• The Act sets a target to increase the number of Welsh speakers to a minimum of one million by 2050.
• It aims to enhance the use of Welsh in workplaces, social settings, and through education.

2. Categorization of Schools:

• Schools will be categorized into three language categories: "Main Language - Welsh," "Bilingual," and "Main Language - English, partly Welsh."
• Each category comes with minimum Welsh education requirements, ensuring at least 80% of education in "Main Language - Welsh" schools is conducted in Welsh.

3. Welsh Education Plans:

• Schools are required to develop Welsh education delivery plans, outlining how they will meet their language education targets and support Welsh culture within the school environment.
• Local authorities must maintain a register of school language categories and promote late-immersion Welsh education for older students.

4. Strengthening Welsh Education:

• A National Framework for Welsh Education and Learning will be established to guide the integration of Welsh language education, including lifelong learning opportunities.
• Local authorities will develop strategic plans to promote and facilitate Welsh education and language use in schools.

5. National Institute for Welsh Learning:

• A new statutory body, the National Institute for Learning Welsh, will be established to support Welsh learning throughout life.
• The Institute will provide strategic direction, facilitate Welsh learning opportunities, and support research and innovation in language teaching.

6. Monitoring and Reporting:

• The Welsh Government will report every five years on progress towards language targets, assessing the number of Welsh speakers and the effectiveness of initiatives to promote the language.

This Act represents a comprehensive approach to bolstering the Welsh language, integrating it more deeply into the education system, and making it a vibrant part of daily life in Wales. Through strategic planning and dedicated resources, the government aims to ensure that Welsh not only survives but thrives for generations to come.