6 days ago
Number of people learning Welsh hits record high
The number of people learning Welsh has reached a record high.
New figures show that 18,330 individuals completed Learn Welsh courses in 2023-24, the highest number ever recorded and a 45 per cent increase since the National Centre for Learning Welsh took responsibility for the sector in 2016.
Dona Lewis, chief executive of the National Centre for Learning Welsh, said: "The significant increase in the number of learners reflects the strength of our learning model and our ability to plan strategically to support the Welsh Government's ambition to increase the use of the Welsh language.
"We are extremely proud of all our learners, tutors, support staff and our partners throughout Wales, and are grateful to the Welsh Government for its continued support.
"The Welsh language belongs to everyone and as we prepare to transfer our work to the National Institute for Learning Welsh in 2027, we look forward to the next stage of our development as a sector, with a clear focus on ensuring lifelong learning opportunities to support more people of all ages and backgrounds to learn, use and enjoy the Welsh language."
The centre's annual report for 2024–25, launched at the Eisteddfod, credits this growth to detailed linguistic planning.
In addition to offering around 1,500 Welsh courses for adults in the community and online, the centre leads the national Learn Welsh strategy, which aims to improve access to the language, attract new audiences, and normalise the use of Welsh.
The centre also supports workplace learning through its Work Welsh scheme.
More than 2,000 employers and 30,000 employees have taken part in the scheme.
This includes partnerships with organisations such as North Wales Police, Airbus, the Football Association of Wales, the Welsh Rugby Union, and Wrexham AFC.
