Wales Passes Historic Bill to Create a Million Welsh Speakers

Historic legislation has passed in the Senedd today, ensuring all children across Wales will have the opportunity to confidently speak Welsh, regardless of their background or school. 🎓

The Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Bill aims to close the gap in Welsh speaking ability among pupils from different schools, making progress towards the ambitious 2050 target of a million Welsh speakers.

Welsh Language Secretary Mark Drakeford said: “The Welsh language belongs to us all. This Bill gives children and young people a better chance to become Welsh speakers, bringing us closer to our aim of one million Welsh speakers in Wales.”

“As a Senedd, we have created an important, far-reaching Bill that will enable every child to become a confident Welsh speaker. I look forward to collaborating further as we implement the Bill.”

The legislation establishes three language categories for maintained schools with minimum Welsh language education requirements for each. It will also provide intensive Welsh language immersion education throughout Wales, helping learners of all ages develop their skills.

Education Secretary Lynne Neagle added: “Our approach to late language immersion is unique. This Bill builds on the excellent work already happening in across Wales, ensuring all children can learn, use and benefit from Welsh.”

The government is supporting schools with: