Written question WQ100057

Local authorities are responsible for planning school places. The School Organisation Code (March 2026) sets out the statutory requirements and relevant considerations that apply when proposals are being developed for changing the organisation of schools.

Our Cymraeg 2050 strategy clearly emphasises the important role that education plays in achieving our intention of reaching the target of one million Welsh speakers. The School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 requires each local authority to prepare a Welsh in Educations Strategic Plan (WESP) which sets out how it will improve the planning of Welsh-medium education provision in its area; improving standards of Welsh-medium education; and teaching Welsh in its area. The WESPs improve Welsh-medium education standards by requiring local authorities to set targets aligned with the Cymraeg 2050 strategy and to implement other developments such as expanding access to Welsh medium provision, ensuring linguistic progression, and growing a qualified teaching workforce. All 22 plans have been in place since September 2022, and local authorities have been proactive in implementing them.

The Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Act 2025 provides a new framework for developing all learners' Welsh language skills. Under the new arrangements, schools will over time strengthen their Welsh language provision with the aim that all pupils have a fair opportunity to develop their Welsh language skills and, ultimately, leave school as confident and independent Welsh speakers.

The Act will introduce a statutory minimum provision of Welsh, a national language continuum, and new statutory categories for describing the linguistic provision of schools. These arrangements will support sustainable growth in Welsh language provision across Wales.