Four primary schools in Carmarthenshire could be converted from dual-language to Welsh-medium education under plans put forward by Carmarthenshire Council. The proposal affects Ysgol Bro Banw in Ammanford, Ysgol Griffith Jones in St Clears, Ysgol Llandybie, and Ysgol Llangynnwr in Carmarthen. The council says the change would "ensure that children have increased access to Welsh language education", which "gives children the best possible foundation to become confident bilingual speakers". If approved, the changes would begin to be implemented in September next year.
What is being proposed for each school?
At Ysgol Bro Banw, the council proposes that Foundation Learning (Nursery to Year 2) would become Primarily Welsh (Category 3) for all pupils. From Year 3 onwards, parents would choose between Primarily Welsh (Category 3) or Dual Language (Category 2). The change would be introduced gradually, starting with Nursery in September 2027, and would not affect pupils currently on roll.
At Ysgol Griffith Jones and Ysgol Llangynnwr, Foundation Learning would remain Primarily Welsh (Category 3), but from Year 3 to Year 6 all pupils would follow a Primarily Welsh (Category 3) pathway. This would be phased in from Year 3 in September 2027, with full implementation by September 2030. Pupils in Years 4, 5 and 6 in September 2027 would not be affected.
Transitional status for Ysgol Llandybie
Ysgol Llandybie is currently designated as a Transitional Category 3 (T3) school, already operating as Primarily Welsh in practice. The proposal would amend the whole school's provision so all pupils follow a Primarily Welsh (Category 3) pathway, phased from Nursery in September 2027, without disrupting current pupils.
How to have your say
Parents, carers, staff, governors and the wider community have five days left to respond to the four separate consultations, which close on Tuesday, October 20. Responses can be made online or by writing to Mr Owain Lloyd, Carmarthenshire County Council, County Hall, Carmarthen, SA31 1JP.
Councillor Glynog Davies, cabinet member for education and the Welsh Language at Carmarthenshire Council, said: "If agreed, this proposal will ensure that children currently attending dual language schools Ysgol Bro Banw, Ysgol Griffith Jones, Ysgol Llandybie and Ysgol Llangynnwr will have increased access to Welsh language education." He added: "Learning Welsh from a young age gives children the best possible foundation to become confident bilingual speakers and creates new opportunities for them both inside and outside the classroom."
