Welshmedium

Welsh-medium refers to education and public services delivered through the Welsh language, particularly in Wales. In schooling, Welsh-medium education means that most instruction is given in Welsh, with Welsh language and culture central to the curriculum. English is typically taught as a subject, and may be used as needed for specific subjects or grade levels.

There are three principal models of provision in Wales: Welsh-medium schools, where the majority of teaching is in Welsh; bilingual or dual-language schools, where Welsh and English are used in different subjects or parts of the day; and English-medium schools that offer Welsh as a subject or provide some Welsh-language immersion. The form of provision depends on local demand, planning, and community need.

Policy and oversight: Welsh Government policy, notably the Cymraeg 2050 strategy, supports Welsh-medium education as a route to increasing language use and ensuring future generations can access services in Welsh. Schools are inspected by Estyn, the education and training inspectorate, and local authorities manage admissions, transport, and school organisation.

Higher and public life: Welsh-medium instruction also exists at further education and higher education levels, with degree courses and modules taught in Welsh at several institutions. Welsh-medium provision is part of broader language-planning and cultural preservation efforts in Wales, reflecting ongoing language revival and community identity.