Carmarthenshire residents will have the opportunity to voice their opinions on proposals to expand Welsh-language education at four primary schools, following cabinet approval. The plans aim to strengthen early immersion and provide clearer Welsh-language routes for learners across the primary phase.
Proposed Changes at Four Schools
The schools affected are Ysgol Bro Banw in Ammanford, Ysgol Griffith Jones in St Clears, Ysgol Llangynnwr in Carmarthen, and Ysgol Llandybie in Llandybie. Each school will have tailored proposals based on its current Welsh-language provision. An additional temporary classroom would be required at Ysgol Llangynnwr.
Consultation and Timeline
A statutory consultation will take place in September and October 2026. Responses will be reviewed before further decisions, with the full council having the final say early next year. If approved, changes would be phased in from September 2027.
Council and Campaigner Reactions
Councillor Glynog Davies stated that the council, run by a Plaid Cymru-Independent administration, aims to “move schools along the language continuum” and contribute to the previous Welsh Government’s target of a million Welsh speakers by 2050. He noted that English standards at Welsh-language schools are excellent, adding: “That’s what we want – children who are confident in both languages.” Council leader Linda Evans said: “We have done this already at many schools in the past and it proves to be successful.”
Welsh language campaigners Cymdeithas yr Iaith welcomed the plans. A spokesman said: “We are very pleased that the council intends to expand Welsh-medium education provision in these schools, moving closer to the goal of ensuring that no pupil is deprived of the ability to work and communicate confidently in both languages. We particularly welcome the changes at the large urban school Ysgol Bro Banw. However we seek clarification regarding the decision to introduce bilingual provision at the school rather than converting it into a fully Welsh-medium school.”
