Education in Wales

Overview of education in Wales

Education in WalesDepartment for Education and Skills

Minister for Education and the Welsh Language| Jeremy Miles
National education budget (2021/22)
Budget| £2,728.6 million
General details
Primary languages| English and Welsh
System type| National
Compulsory education Devolution| 1880
1999
Literacy (2003[1])
Total| 99%
Male| 99%
Female| 99%

This article provides an overview of education in Wales from early childhood to university and adult skills. Largely state-funded and freely accessible at a primary and secondary level, education is compulsory for children in Wales between ages 5-16 years old. It differs to some extent in structure and content to other parts of the United Kingdom, in the later case particularly in relation to the teaching of the Welsh language.

State-funded nursery education is typically offered from age three. Children usually enter fulltime primary school at age four, enter secondary school at age eleven and take their GCSEs at age 16. After that, young people have the option of staying at school to study A-levels or enrolling in further education. From the age of 18, they might enroll at university.

Formal education was originally a luxury, then provided by charity and later through the state. Universal primary education was established by the end of the 19th century and universal secondary education was reached by the mid 20th century. Attitudes to the Welsh language in education have varied overtime.

## History

[edit]

Further information: History of education in Wales

Infants class at Llithfaen school (1887)

Early forms of formal education were church or privately run and available to only a small segment of the population.[2] In the 17th and 18th Centuries significant efforts were made, mainly by charitable causes, to expand access to basic education.[3][4] In the 19th Century a state education system developed.[5] By the end of the period education had become free and compulsory for children aged 5- to 12-years-old.[6] Further increases to the school leaving age and the development of a system of secondary schools led by the mid 20th century to universal secondary education.[7][8] Separate secondary schools for students of different academic abilities ended by 1980.[9] Control over education policy was placed under the control of the devolved Welsh government in 1999.[10]

## Structure

[edit]

### Early years care and education

[edit]

Numeracy activity completed in nursery class at Cwrt Rawlin Primary school, Caerphilly (2006)

From the start of the January, April or September (whichever comes soonest) following a child's third birthday they become eligible for a minimum of ten hours a week in publicly funded nursery education. Nursery lessons are focused on developing children's abilities in a variety of areas such as creativity, communication and general knowledge however, at this age, learning to read and write is not yet considered a priority.[11] Depending on their parents economic and employment status children in this age-range may be eligible for up to twenty additional hours of state-subsidised childcare each week.[12]

According to statistics for the 2021/2022 school year most state-funded primary schools in Wales and all separate infant schools included nursery provision.[13] There were also eight separate nursery schools which are owned and run by the Local authority.[14][15] The hours of state-funded childcare a child is entitled to can also be provided by other childcare facilities.[11][12] According to a 2018 report, there were 4,012 such facilities registered in 2016, it also noted that "The majority of childcare providers are childminders (52%). The remaining childcare provision is delivered by sessional day care settings (20%), full day care settings (17%), out of school care settings (10%), open access play provision (1%) and crèches (0.5%)."[16]

The Welsh government is planning to introduce universal state funded childcare for two-year-old children by the mid-2020s. Currently, only the most disadvantaged toddlers in this age group and those in some more deprived areas are entitled to 12.5 hours of care provided by the state.[17][18]

### Compulsory schooling

[edit]

See also: Lists of schools in Wales

A child's age on 1 September determines the point of entry into the relevant stage of education.[19] Education is compulsory beginning with the term following the child's fifth birthday, but may take place at either home or school. Most parents choosing to educate through school-based provision, however, enrol their children in the reception year in September of that school year, with most children thus beginning school at age four or four and a half.[20] This age was traditionally much earlier than in most other Western nations,[21] but in recent years many European countries have lowered their age of compulsory education, usually by making one or more years of kindergarten compulsory.[22]

#### Primary education

[edit]

Primary school pupils in 1960, in Barmouth, celebrating St David's Day

Main article: Primary education in Wales

In 2014/15, there were 1,330 primary schools in Wales with 273,400 pupils and 12,240 full-time equivalent (FTE) teachers. The teacher/pupil ratio was 1:22 and the average class size was 26 pupils.[23] In 2015/16, there were 276,950 pupils in 1,310 primary schools – a rise of 3,550 since 2014/15.[24]

In 2014/15, there were 435 Welsh-medium primary schools with 65,460 pupils, rising from 64,366 in 2013/14, but the number of Welsh-medium primary schools decreased from 444,[23] due primarily to the closure of small rural schools.

Universal free school meals were introduced in Wales for children in the first year of primary school in September 2022. They are planned to be rolled out for all primary school children by 2024.[25]

#### Secondary education

[edit]

Main article: Secondary education in Wales

Children typically transfer from primary to secondary school between schools years six and seven,[26] when they are 11 years old.[27] In school year nine (or sometimes eight), pupils receive a chose of what subjects to continue their studies in, options must be available across multiple fields but vary between schools. Maths, English, Science and Welsh as a first or second language are compulsory whilst some schools may also make other subjects compulsory.[28][29]

Pupils in secondary school take part in the compulsory GCSE and the non-compulsory A-level or BTEC qualifications at ages 15/16 and 17/18 respectively. Since 2007 the Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification has also been available as an option although it was ungraded until 2015.[30]

In 2014/15 there were 207 secondary schools (a drop of six since 2013/14) in Wales with 182,408 pupils and 11,269 FTE teachers (a drop of 310 since 2013/14). The pupil/teacher ratio was 17:1, which has remained largely the same since 2000/01.[23] In 2015/16, there were 178,650 pupils in 205 secondary schools – a drop of 3,700 since 2014/15.[24] The same report found that in 2015/16, there were 8,000 pupils in 34 independent schools, 4,540 pupils in 32 independent special schools, and 730 pupils in 25 pupil referral units.

In 2014/15, there were 50 Welsh-medium secondary (a drop of 2 since 2013/14) schools with 36,485 pupils, dropping from 37,400 in 2013/14. In the same year, there were 4 Welsh-medium middle schools (a rise of 2 since 2013/14) with 2,448 pupils, a rise from 1,577 in 2013/14.[23]

In 2016, 60.3% of Year 11 pupils (aged 16) achieved the Level 2 inclusive threshold (Level 2 including a grade A*-C in English or Welsh first language and Mathematics). 35.6% of pupils eligible for FSM (free school meals) achieved the L2 inclusive threshold. 66.9% of pupils achieved A*-C in maths. 70.4% of pupils achieved A*-C in either English or Welsh first language.[31]

Wales has often performed poorly in PISA results, which compare the academic abilities of adolescents around the world.[32] The 2018 tests saw Wales' results improving but remaining the weakest of the four education systems of the UK in all subjects.[33]

### Further education

[edit]

Main article: List of further education colleges in Wales

A further education college in Merthyr Tydfil

Further education (FE) includes full- and part-time learning for people over compulsory school age, excluding higher education.[34] Young people often enrol in FE as an alternative to staying at school after the age of 16.[35] FE and publicly funded training in Wales is provided by 15 FE institutions in 2014/15 and a range of public, private and voluntary sector training providers, such as the Workers' Educational Association. Colleges vary in size and mission, and include general FE, tertiary and specialist institutions, including one Roman Catholic Sixth Form College and a residential adult education college. Many colleges offer leisure learning and training programmes designed to meet the needs of business.[36][37] In 2014/15 there were 263,315 FE students in Wales spanning the entire availability of FE at multiple placements, including FE, HE (higher education), LA (local authority) Community, and work-based learning.[23]

### Adult community learning

[edit]

Adult Community learning is a form of adult education or lifelong learning delivered and supported by local authorities in Wales.[38] Programmes can be formal or informal, non-accredited or accredited, and vocational, academic or leisure orientated.[39] In 2018–2019, there were 23,970 learners in Local Authority Community Learning.[40]

### Higher education

[edit]

See also: List of universities in Wales and Tuition fees in the United Kingdom

Main Building of Cardiff University St David's building of the University of Wales Lampeter – Wales' oldest University

Students normally enter higher education (HE) from 18 onwards. Undergraduate students contribute £9,000 a year in fees, and are generally entitled to student loans and grants depending on their family's economic situation for maintenance.[41] The state does not control syllabi, but it does influence admission procedures and monitors standards through the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales.

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland all qualifications can be compared on a scale beginning with entry level and then followed by eight numbered levels, 1 is the equivalent of a weaker pass grade at GCSE and 8 the equivalent of a doctorate.[42] Undergraduate degrees typically the first higher education qualifications available are usually level 4, 5 or 6. Students will generally need A-Levels or an equivalent at a certain grade to enroll on them but may be able to do a foundation year prior to starting if their grades are weaker. There are various types of undergraduate degree but the most common is a Bachelor's degree which generally takes three years to complete and involves studying one or sometimes two subjects in detail. It is a level 6 qualification.[42]

A postgraduate degree is a level 7 or 8 qualification. It can typically only be completed after an undergraduate degree has been completed. It is generally focused on a more specific topic rather than the more general subject taught at undergraduate level. These generally come in two types the "taught" degree which conducted more in the style of an undergraduate degree and "research" degree where the student directs their own study of a self-chosen question in a more independent manner. A master's degree is the highest level of qualification.[42]

In 2014/15 there were 145,735 enrolments at HE institutions in Wales, including 97,900 first degree and other undergraduates and 27,780 postgraduates. Welsh HE institutions had a total of 10,140 full-time and part-time staff.[23]

## Governance

[edit]

### Local administration and individual schools

[edit]

Unlike in England, where state schools are increasingly run in an Academy model where they are funded directly by the central government, state schools in Wales are overseen by local authorities.[43] Local authority funded or maintained schools come in various different models. The Community school is owned and run by the local authority, the Voluntary controlled schools are owned by a charity with close oversight from the local authority, the Voluntary aided schools are owned by a charity with a greater degree of self-governance and the Foundation school is owned by a governing body or charity organisation with limited local authority oversight. In the second and third case the charity is usually a religious organisation, typically the Church in Wales or the Roman Catholic Church.[14]

The curriculum being rolled out in Wales from 2022 onwards is intended to give individual schools more control over the instruction they provide and the autonomy to develop their own curricula within a basic set of guidelines.[44]

Local authorities in Wales

* Isle of Anglesey County Council
* Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council
* Bridgend County Borough Council
* Caerphilly County Borough Council
* Cardiff Council
* Carmarthenshire County Council
* Ceredigion County Council
* Conwy County Borough Council
* Denbighshire County Council
* Flintshire County Council
* Gwynedd Council
* Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council
* Monmouthshire County Council
* Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council
* Newport City Council
* Pembrokeshire County Council
* Powys County Council
* Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
* City and County of Swansea council
* Torfaen County Borough Council
* Vale of Glamorgan Council
* Wrexham County Borough Council

[45]

#### Education Consortia

[edit]

In 2014, there were four formal education consortia in Wales covering:

* North Wales (GwE) (Flintshire, Conwy, Wrexham, Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey, Denbighshire)
* South West and Mid Wales (ERW) (Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Ceredigion)
* Central South Wales (CSC) (Bridgend, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Vale of Glamorgan)
* South East Wales (EAS) (Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport, Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen)

The role of Education Consortia is to assist in school improvement in their respective regions. This includes areas such as the effectiveness of schools leadership, the quality of their teaching and pupils results. The South West and Mid Wales Consortia partially broke down in 2020 with Powys, Ceredigion and Neath Port Talbot all leaving. The former two councils then formed an informal partnership whilst Neath Port Talbot remained outside the Consortia system as of March 2022.[46]

### Welsh government oversight and Wales-wide institutions

[edit]

The governance of education has been devolved in Wales since the creation of the Welsh assembly in 1999 along with other related policy areas such as Welsh language policy and local government.[47] This has led to the creation of a somewhat distinctive education system.[48][49] Wales has its own education inspectorate,[50] qualifications regulator[51] and curriculum.[52][53]

### UK government role and UK-wide institutions

[edit]

The money the Welsh government has to spend in devolved areas is broadly pegged to money the UK government spends in equivalent areas in England through a system called the Barnett formula. However, the devolved administrations are not obliged to spend the money they receive in the same policy area as it was spent in England (e.g. the equivalent to money spent on health in England could be spent on education in Wales).[54][55] More broadly Wales's and the other UK education systems are all influenced by their interactions with reserved matters and coexistence within the United Kingdom.[56]

## Welsh language

[edit]

See also: Welsh-medium education and History of Education in Wales § Language usage

Children at Crwys Road infants school, an early Welsh-medium school in Cardiff (1951)

In the 19th century Welsh was often repressed by schools.[57][58] In the 20th century the language gradually gained a more prominent role in the education system.[59][60]

A significant minority of students in Wales are educated largely through the medium of Welsh: in 2014/15, 15.7% of children and young people received Welsh-medium education – a drop from the 15.9% in 2010/11.[61] An additional 10% attended schools in which significant portion of the curriculum is bilingual.[62] The study of the Welsh language is available to all age groups through nurseries,[63] schools,[64] colleges,[65] and universities,[66] and in adult education. Though, involvement is fairly limited above secondary school level.[65][66] The study of the language is compulsory for all pupils in State Schools until the age of 16.[64]

Educational institutions have flexibility over how much English children are taught prior to the age of seven.[67] This is in order to allow Welsh medium schools and nurseries to immerse young children in the language as much as possible.[68] In the later years of primary school, the curriculum at Welsh medium schools continues to be mostly (70% or more) taught in Welsh whilst at secondary level all subjects other than English are taught in Welsh.[62] However, as they get older, students in Welsh medium education are required to work towards the same tests and qualifications in the English language as their counterparts who were primarily educated in English.[69][70]

## See also

[edit]

* Wales portal
* Education portal

* Education
* Education in the United Kingdom
* List of education articles by country

### Aspects

[edit]

* Home education in the United Kingdom
* Primary education in Wales
* Secondary education in Wales

### Elsewhere in the UK

[edit]

* Education in England
* Education in Northern Ireland
* Education in Scotland

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Estimate for the United Kingdom, from United Kingdom Archived 9 January 2021 at the Wayback Machine, The World Factbook
2. ^ Jones, Gareth Elwyn; Roderick, Gordon Wynne (2003). "Monasticism to Puritanism, c.410-1670". History of Education in Wales. University of Wales Press. ISBN 978-0708318089.
3. ^ Jones, Gareth Elwyn; Roderick, Gordon Wynne (2003). "Monasticism to Puritanism, c.410-1670". History of Education in Wales. University of Wales Press. ISBN 978-0708318089.
4. ^ Jones, Gareth Elwyn; Roderick, Gordon Wynne (2003). "The Religious Motive Redefined, 1670-1847". History of Education in Wales. University of Wales Press. ISBN 978-0708318089.
5. ^ Lloyd, Amy. "Education, Literacy and the Reading Public" (PDF). Gale Primary Sources. University of Cambridge. Archived (PDF) from the original on 5 November 2020.
6. ^ "The 1870 Education Act". UK Parliament.
7. ^ Jones, Gareth Elwyn; Roderick, Gordon Wynne (2003). "The State and the Nation, 1870-1902". History of Education in Wales. University of Wales Press. ISBN 978-0708318089.
8. ^ Jones, Gareth Elwyn; Roderick, Gordon Wynne (2003). "Defiance and Depression, 1902-1939". History of Education in Wales. University of Wales Press. ISBN 978-0708318089.
9. ^ Jones, Gareth Elwyn; Roderick, Gordon Wynne (2003). "War and Relative Peace, 1939-1965". History of Education in Wales. University of Wales Press. ISBN 978-0708318089.
10. ^ Egon, David (2022). "Devolution, Education policy and Inspection in Wales: A policy analysis". In Keane, Ann (ed.). Watchdogs or Visionaries?: Perspectives on the History of the Education Inspectorate in Wales. University of Wales Press. ASIN B0BLCS7YDK.
11. ^ a b "Nursery education for 3 and 4 year olds in Wales" (PDF). 2019. Archived (PDF) from the original on 26 October 2020.
12. ^ a b "Childcare for 3 and 4 year olds". GOV.WALES. Archived from the original on 1 October 2021. Retrieved 30 September 2021.
13. ^ "Schools by local authority, region and type of school". StatsWales (Welsh government). Archived from the original on 24 February 2018. Retrieved 24 September 2022.
14. ^ a b "Schools maintained by local authorities | Law Wales". law.gov.wales. Archived from the original on 30 July 2022. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
15. ^ "Schools by local authority, region and type of school". StatsWales (Welsh government). Archived from the original on 24 February 2018. Retrieved 24 September 2022.
16. ^ "Review of the Childcare Sector in Wales" (PDF). Welsh Government. 10 January 2018. Archived (PDF) from the original on 31 March 2022. Retrieved 24 September 2022.
17. ^ Albert, Angeline (14 November 2021). "Free childcare for all two-year-olds in Wales must be 'fully costed'". daynurseries.co.uk. Archived from the original on 24 November 2021. Retrieved 24 November 2021.
18. ^ "Wales: Free primary school meals and childcare pledges". BBC News. 22 November 2021. Archived from the original on 25 November 2021. Retrieved 24 November 2021.
19. ^ McClatchey, Caroline (1 November 2011). "Summer-born struggle: Why August children suffer at school". BBC News. Archived from the original on 12 November 2020. Retrieved 18 September 2022.
20. ^ Sharp, Caroline (1 November 2002). "School Starting Age: European Policy and Recent Research" (PDF). p. 3\. Archived (PDF) from the original on 10 May 2021. Retrieved 18 September 2022.
21. ^ "BBC NEWS – UK – Education – Is five too soon to start school?". 8 February 2008. Archived from the original on 10 May 2021. Retrieved 31 May 2015.
22. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 October 2016. Retrieved 19 February 2017.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
23. ^ a b c d e f "Key Education Statistics Wales 2016" (PDF). Welsh Government. 27 April 2016. Retrieved 24 January 2017.[permanent dead link‍]
24. ^ a b "The Annual Report of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales 2015–2016" (PDF). estyn.gov.wales. ESTYN. 2016. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 February 2017. Retrieved 24 January 2017.
25. ^ "Universal free school meals begin in Wales for youngest children". BBC News. 7 September 2022. Archived from the original on 18 September 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2022.
26. ^ "Transition from primary to secondary school guidance - Hwb". hwb.gov.wales. Archived from the original on 19 December 2022. Retrieved 19 December 2022.
27. ^ "The Transition from Primary to Secondary School (Wales) Regulations 2022 - Interpretation". legislation.gov.uk. The National Archives.
28. ^ "Year 8 and 9 subject options | Careers Wales". careerswales.gov.wales. Archived from the original on 17 January 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
29. ^ "GCSE options: Everything you need to know about choosing your GCSE subjects". BBC Bitesize. Archived from the original on 23 December 2022. Retrieved 22 December 2022.
30. ^ "Welsh Baccalaureate too complex - Qualifications Wales". BBC News. 24 April 2018. Archived from the original on 1 April 2022. Retrieved 25 September 2022.
31. ^ "An annual report collated from examination bodies on the results of external examinations taken by pupils aged 15 or 17, which includes GCSE and A Levels by subject". gov.wales. 7 December 2016. Archived from the original on 3 February 2017. Retrieved 24 January 2017.
32. ^ "Pisa tests show pupils in Wales falling behind". BBC News. 7 December 2010. Archived from the original on 6 December 2011. Retrieved 31 May 2015.
33. ^ Lewis, Bethan (3 December 2019). "Pisa education tests: Wales improves performance". BBC News. Archived from the original on 6 June 2022. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
34. ^ "Education Act 1996, Part 1, Chapter 1, Paragraph 2". Archived from the original on 7 December 2009. Retrieved 5 April 2009.
35. ^ "Further and Higher education in Wales (care leavers guide)" (PDF). South West Wales Reaching Wider Partnership. p. 4\. Archived (PDF) from the original on 26 October 2021.
36. ^ Welcome to fforwm Archived 28 February 2009 at the Wayback Machine
37. ^ "National Training Federation Wales". Archived from the original on 18 October 2015. Retrieved 31 May 2015.
38. ^ "Introducing Community Learning Wales". 23 July 2011. Archived from the original on 23 July 2011. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
39. ^ Delivering Skills that Work for Wales: A new approach to Adult Community Learning. Consultation document issued 29 September 2008[permanent dead link‍]
40. ^ "Local authority community learning activities by local authority and provision type". statswales.gov.wales. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
41. ^ Rogers, Sophie (4 March 2021). "University tuition fees and financial support in Wales". thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk. Archived from the original on 14 May 2020. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
42. ^ a b c "What qualification levels mean". GOV.UK. Archived from the original on 3 April 2019. Retrieved 25 September 2022.
43. ^ Lewis, Bethan (16 March 2016). "So why are there no academy schools in Wales?". BBC News. Archived from the original on 9 January 2022. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
44. ^ "Wales schools: New lessons 'exciting but a challenge'". BBC News. 14 June 2022. Archived from the original on 13 June 2022. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
45. ^ Department for Education and Skills Archived 5 August 2013 at the Wayback Machine \- LA Contact Details
46. ^ "The Curriculum for Wales - How are regional consortia and local authorities supporting schools?" (PDF). Estyn. 24 March 2022. p. 5\. Archived (PDF) from the original on 5 July 2022. Retrieved 17 September 2022.
47. ^ "BBC – Wales – The National Assembly for Wales". BBC. 2005–2009. Archived from the original on 26 September 2009. Retrieved 8 January 2022.
48. ^ "Devolution 20 - Education: How far is it 'made in Wales'?". research.senedd.wales. 2 May 2019. Archived from the original on 25 September 2022. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
49. ^ Jones, Arwyn (25 January 2016). "How Wales Works: Changes to Welsh schools post devolution". BBC News. Archived from the original on 30 July 2022. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
50. ^ "What does Estyn do? | Estyn". www.estyn.gov.wales. Archived from the original on 30 July 2022. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
51. ^ "Qualifications Wales / Who we are". qualificationswales.org. Archived from the original on 14 February 2022. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
52. ^ "Curriculum for Wales - Hwb". hwb.gov.wales. Archived from the original on 15 August 2022. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
53. ^ "Curriculum for Wales 2008 - Hwb". hwb.gov.wales. Archived from the original on 30 July 2022. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
54. ^ "Barnett formula: Which parts of the UK have the most money spent on them?". BBC News. 13 January 2020. Archived from the original on 30 July 2022. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
55. ^ "Devolution: What's the Barnett formula?". BBC News. 30 October 2014. Archived from the original on 30 July 2022. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
56. ^ "Raffe, D. and Byrne, D. (2005) Policy Learning From 'Home International' Comparisons. Centre for Educational Sociology briefing" (PDF). University of Edinburgh. Archived (PDF) from the original on 23 April 2014. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
57. ^ Jones, Gareth Elwyn; Roderick, Gordon Wynne (2003). ""Treason" and its Aftermath, c.1847 - 1879". History of Education in Wales. University of Wales Press. ISBN 978-0708318089.
58. ^ Jones, Gareth Elwyn; Roderick, Gordon Wynne (2003). "The State and the Nation, 1870-1902". History of Education in Wales. University of Wales Press. ISBN 978-0708318089.
59. ^ Keane, Ann (2022). "Owen Edwards, The Welsh Department and the school curriculum.". In Keane, Ann (ed.). Watchdogs or Visionaries?: Perspectives on the History of the Education Inspectorate in Wales. University of Wales Press. ASIN B0BLCS7YDK.
60. ^ Jones, Gareth Elwyn; Roderick, Gordon Wynne (2003). "Comprehensive change, 1965-1979". History of Education in Wales. University of Wales Press. ISBN 978-0708318089.
61. ^ "Comisiynydd: Nifer y plant mewn addysg Gymraeg yn 'sioc'". BBC Cymru Fyw (in Welsh). BBC. 4 August 2016. Archived from the original on 23 February 2017. Retrieved 24 January 2017.
62. ^ a b Jones, Megan (August 2016). "Welsh-medium education and Welsh as a subject" (PDF). National Assembly for Wales (research service). pp. 5 to 7. Archived (PDF) from the original on 1 June 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
63. ^ "Mudiad Meithrin Annual Report: 2018-2019" (PDF). Mudia Meithrin. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 August 2021. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
64. ^ a b "Welsh in education: Action Plan 2017–2021" (PDF). Welsh Government. 2017. p. 16\. Archived (PDF) from the original on 22 August 2020.
65. ^ a b "Learning activities at further education institutions by subject and medium of delivery". statswales.gov.wales. Archived from the original on 7 September 2017. Retrieved 20 July 2017.
66. ^ a b "Welsh language in higher education: September 2020 to August 2021". GOV.WALES. 28 July 2022. Archived from the original on 9 August 2022. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
67. ^ "School curriculum overhaul for Wales published". BBC News. 28 January 2020. Archived from the original on 31 May 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
68. ^ "Curriculum worry over compulsory English in Welsh nurseries". BBC News. 30 January 2019. Archived from the original on 31 May 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
69. ^ "National Reading and Numeracy Test Results: 2019" (PDF). 28 August 2019. Archived (PDF) from the original on 24 May 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
70. ^ "Year 8 and 9 subject options | Careers Wales". careerswales.gov.wales. Archived from the original on 17 January 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.

## External links

[edit]

* Hwb \- Homepage of the Welsh government's website on education.
* EDUCATION SYSTEM IN THE UK \- 2013 UK Government document covering education across the UK. Includes detailed information related to Wales. May now be somewhat out of date.
* History of devolution \- Welsh Parliament website page covering the history of Welsh Devolution and governing arrangements for Wales more generally.
* Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales in English and Welsh
* Welsh FE Colleges

* v
* t
* e

Education in Wales

Progression steps|

| Progression step 1|

* Nursery
* Playgroup
* Reception

|

Progression step 2|

* Year One
* Year Two
* Year Three

Progression step 3|

* Year Four
* Year Five
* Year Six

Key Stage 3/Progression step 4|

* Year Seven
* Year Eight
* Year Nine

Key Stage 4/Progression step 5|

* Year Ten
* Year Eleven

Further Education|

* Sixth Form
* Year Twelve
* Year Thirteen
* Further Education college
* Sixth form college
* List of further education colleges in Wales

University|

* Undergraduate Degree
* Bachelor's Degree
* Postgraduate Degree
* Master's Degree
* Doctorate
* List of universities in Wales

School type|

| Funding and Governance arrangements|

* State-funded schools
* Community school
* Voluntary controlled school
* Voluntary aided school
* Foundation school
* Private schools

|

Age group|

* Primary Education
* Primary school
* Infant school
* Junior school
* Secondary Education
* Secondary school
* Comprehensive school
* All-through school

Exams and qualifications|

* GCSE
* A-Level
* Welsh Baccalaureate
* BTEC

Pedagogy|

* Curriculum for Wales (2022–present)
* Language of instruction
* English-medium
* Welsh-medium
* Teaching of Welsh history

Oversight|

* Cabinet Secretary for Education
* Estyn
* WJEC (among other exam boards)
* Qualifications Wales

| Historic|

* Curriculum Council for Wales
* Qualifications, Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales

|

History|

* Overview
* before 1701
* 1701–1870
* 1870–1939
* after 1939
* Welsh Not
* History of infant schools
* Treachery of the Blue Books
* School boards
* Raising of school leaving age
* National Curriculum for Wales (2008–2026)

Defunct school types|

* Grammar school
* Charity school
* Endowed schools
* British and Foreign school
* National school
* Elementary school
* Central school
* Secondary technical school
* Secondary modern school

Major legislation|

* Elementary Education Act 1870
* Elementary Education Act 1880
* Welsh Intermediate Education Act 1889
* Education Act 1902
* Education Act 1918
* Education Act 1944
* Education Reform Act 1988
* Teaching and Higher Education Act 1998
* Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Act 2021

Related|

* Welsh devolution
* Welsh Government
* Welsh Office
* Welsh Language Act 1993
* History of education in England

* v
* t
* e

Education in the United Kingdom

Modern systems|

* England
* Northern Ireland
* Scotland
* Wales

History|

* England
* Northern Ireland
* Scotland
* Wales
* Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

Higher education|

* England
* Northern Ireland
* Scotland
* Wales
* UK
* International students

Topics|

* Academies
* Comprehensives
* Free school (England)
* Grade inflation
* Grammar schools
* Languages of instruction
* English
* Gaelic
* Irish
* Welsh
* Mathematics education
* Maths schools
* Specialist schools
* Studio schools
* UTCs

* v
* t
* e

Economy of Wales

* History
* Economy of the United Kingdom

Companies|

* List of companies
* State-owned companies
* Companies Court

Finance|

* Welsh fiscal balance
* Taxation
* Business rates
* Banking and finance
* List of banks

Banking|

| Wales|

* Banc Cambria (proposed)
* Development Bank of Wales
* Hodge Bank
* Monmouthshire Building Society
* Principality Building Society
* Swansea Building Society
* Defunct banks

|

UK-wide|

* Bank of England
* Royal Mint
* Other commercial banks

Policy|

| UK-wide|

* Currency
* Banknotes
* Bank of England
* Governor of the Bank of England
* UK-wide Taxation
* Barnett formula
* UK Budget
* Company law
* Competition and Markets Authority
* Department for Business and Trade
* Financial Conduct Authority
* Gilts
* HM Revenue & Customs
* HM Treasury
* Chancellor of the Exchequer
* Debt Management Office
* Monetary Policy Committee
* Office for Budget Responsibility
* UK Statistics Authority
* UK Trade & Investment
* Mortgages
* Property law
* Land law
* Economic torts
* Business ownership

|

Wales-specific|

* Devolved policy
* Welsh Government
* Minister for the Economy
* Welsh Revenue Authority
* Audit Wales
* Auditor General
* Welsh Development Agency
* Technium

Localised|

* Regional economic deals
* Cardiff Capital
* Mid Wales
* North Wales
* Swansea Bay
* Economy of Cardiff
* Economy of Swansea
* M4 corridor
* Tourism
* Transport

People
and labour|

* Inventors
* Business schools
* Cardiff
* South Wales
* Swansea
* Demography
* UK Labour law
* UK equality law
* UK Minimum wage
* Pensions
* Trades unions
* Trades Union Congress
* Unemployment

Sectors|

* Innovations
* Energy
* Renewable energy
* Mining
* Food and drink
* Cuisine
* Beer
* Water privatisation
* Agriculture
* Sheep
* Fishing
* Wool
* Manufacturing
* Materials
* Forestry
* Re-forestation
* Mining
* Coal
* Slate
* Nantlle
* WHR
* Mines
* Ironworks
* Education
* Science and technology
* Media
* Cinema
* Music
* Healthcare
* Housing and construction
* Architecture
* Supermarkets
* Tourism
* Visit Wales
* Transport

Theory|

* Economic impacts
* COVID-19
* Brexit
* Recessions
* Economic autonomy
* Full fiscal autonomy
* Full independence
* Union dividend

* Category

* v
* t
* e

Education in Europe

Sovereign states|

* Albania
* Andorra
* Armenia
* Austria
* Azerbaijan
* Belarus
* Belgium
* Bosnia and Herzegovina
* Bulgaria
* Croatia
* Cyprus
* Czech Republic
* Denmark
* Estonia
* Finland
* France
* Georgia
* Germany
* Greece
* Hungary
* Iceland
* Ireland
*   * Italy
* Kazakhstan
* Latvia
* Liechtenstein
* Lithuania
* Luxembourg
* Malta
* Moldova
* Monaco
* Montenegro
* Netherlands
* North Macedonia
* Norway
* Poland
* Portugal
* Romania
* Russia
* San Marino
* Serbia
* Slovakia
* Slovenia
* Spain
* Sweden
* Switzerland
* Turkey
* Ukraine
* United Kingdom

States with limited
recognition|

* Abkhazia
* Kosovo
* Northern Cyprus
* South Ossetia
* Transnistria

Dependencies and
other entities|

* Åland
* Faroe Islands
* Gibraltar
* Guernsey
* Isle of Man
* Jersey
* Svalbard

Other entities|

* European Union

* v
* t
* e

Wales articles

* List of topics

History|

* Timeline
* Bibliography
* Prehistory
* Roman Era
* Anglo-Welsh Wars
* Early Middle Ages
* Kingdom of Gwynedd
* Kingdom of Powys
* Deheubarth
* Medieval Welsh law
* Norman invasion
* Edwardian conquest
* Late Middle Ages
* Statute of Rhuddlan
* Glyndŵr rebellion
* Laws in Wales Acts 1535 and 1542
* Colonies

Geography|

* Biodiversity
* Fauna
* Flora
* Climate
* Geology
* Islands
* Lakes
* Mountains and hills
* Protected areas
* National parks
* AONBs
* Rivers
* Wales–England border
* Waterfalls

Politics|

| Government|

| Politics|

* Devolution
* Elections
* First Minister
* Government
* Local government
* History
* Cities
* Mayors
* Local rulers
* Nationalism
* Political parties
* Republicanism
* Secretary of State
* Senedd
* Unionism
* Wales Office

|

Law|

* Counsel General
* Courts
* Modern Welsh law
* Police forces
* British Armed Forces

Economy|

* Agriculture
* Banking and finance
* Coal mining
* Companies
* Forestry
* Housing and construction
* Power stations
* Slate quarrying
* Tourism
* Transport

Society|

| Culture|

* Art
* Castles
* Education
* Eisteddfod
* Gorsedd Cymru
* Literature in Welsh / in English
* Media
* Music
* Museums
* Scheduled monuments
* Sports
* Theatre

|

Demographics|

| Languages|

* Languages
* Welsh
* Welsh English
* British Sign Language

|

People (list)|

* Actors
* Welsh Americans
* Architects
* Artists
* Women
* Inventors
* Musicians
* Poets
* Royalty
* Scientists
* Women
* Writers
* in Welsh
* Women

Health|

* Healthcare
* Healthcare service
* Boards

Religion|

* Christianity
* Anglicanism
* Catholicism
* Mormonism
* Presbyterianism
* Non-Christian belief systems
* Bahá'ís
* Buddhism
* Hinduism
* Islam
* Judaism
* Druidry
* Sikhism
* History
* Saint David
* Welsh Methodist revival
* 1904–1905 Welsh revival
* Welsh Church Act 1914

Symbols|

* Anthem
* Flags
* national flag
* Prince of Wales's feathers
* Royal Badge
* Welsh Dragon

Wales portal
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template