Almost £1m for more Welsh-speaking teachers

This week, applications are open for a grant for Welsh schools to tackle short-staffing problems, increase numbers of Welsh-speaking teachers, and teaching assistants. £900,000 is available for the next academic year.

For example, Aberdare school Ysgol Rhydywaun received the grant last year and trained teachers already working in the school to teach subjects out of their usual specialism. Subsequently, the school was able to teach two extra A-level subjects, Psychology and Criminology, and students were able to continue their Welsh studies at the school.

Last year, 55 grants were awarded to Welsh or bilingual secondary schools across Wales, and these schools have been used the funding for initiatives like funding young people to take a gap year being a teaching assistants in Welsh-medium schools and to encourage collaboration across schools to deliver professional learning, particularly in shortage subject areas.

The Welsh cabinet secretary for education, Lynne Neagle, said: “Developing a workforce to teach Welsh, and delivering education through the medium of Welsh, is essential in creating more Welsh speakers. This grant is just one of the innovative schemes we have in place to achieve this.

“I am determined to ensure we support learners to reach their full potential and provide teachers with the professional development opportunities they need to continue to raise standards in our schools.”