More people than ever are learning Welsh
Over 18,000 individuals are learning Welsh, according to the latest official data published by the National Centre for Learning Welsh today (27 March 2025) – the highest number of learners since the Centre took responsibility for the Learn Welsh sector in 2016.
During the 2023-2024 academic year, 18,330 people completed the Centre’s courses – an increase of 8% compared to the previous year, and an increase of 45% compared to the first official data published by the Centre for the 2017-2018 academic year, 12,700.
The increase in learners reflects developments within the sector. As well as the face-to-face and virtual courses held in communities, new, pioneering schemes for different audiences, including the Health and Care sector, and young people, are now available.
Growth
There has been significant growth in the Health and Care sector, with a Learn Welsh tutor based in every health board, specific schemes for specialties such as Palliative and End of Life Care and Psychiatry, short self-study courses and Confidence Building courses.
The data for 2023-2024 shows more young people aged 16-25 are learning Welsh. A total of 2,635 young learners completed the Centre’s courses during 2023-2024, an increase of 21% compared to the previous year, and an increase of 274% compared to the first year of publication of age in 2018-2019.
The vast majority of all learners (84%) are within the working age group, 16-64.
The majority of learners (76%) follow tutor-led courses, whether face-to-face or in virtual classrooms, and there is an increase in the number of learners following courses at Intermediate and Advanced levels, as well as courses for beginners.
Enthusiasm
Mark Drakeford, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Welsh Language, said: “The enthusiasm of the Learn Welsh sector and the increase in the number of people learning the language is an inspiration, and a source of pride for us all.
“The National Centre for Learning Welsh has been a strategic partner to the Welsh Government since it was established, and inspections by Estyn have recognised the Centre’s expertise in the field of language learning and acquisition.”
He continued: “The Centre has led on major changes within the sector, introducing a curriculum aligned with the European framework, the CEFR, and planning and extending its activities in order to welcome new audiences to the Welsh language.
“Cymraeg belongs to us all, and the Centre makes an all-important contribution in terms of normalising the use of the language and supporting the ambition to increase the numbers who can speak, use and enjoy the Welsh language.”
Pride
Dona Lewis, Chief Executive of the National Centre for Learning Welsh, said: “Everyone in the Learn Welsh sector can take pride in these latest figures, which tell a story of growth and success, and I’d like to congratulate all our learners, tutors and the extended workforce.
“I’d also like to thank the Welsh Government for its support of the Centre as we’ve extended our services, building new partnerships which have led to flexible learning programmes for specific audiences. These exciting developments have enabled the Centre to welcome more people to the Welsh language.”
Dona added: “The Centre’s language learning and acquisition expertise is key to our learning activities. The national Learn Welsh curriculum, developed by the Centre, gives one clear, single learning pathway to becoming a Welsh speaker. All our courses are based on the curriculum, and the latest data reflects the success of this learning model.
“The Government’s plans to introduce a Welsh Language and Education Bill will create new opportunities for the Centre to share its expertise with other areas, and contribute to the prosperity of the Welsh language. This work has already started, with the Centre’s services for young people, and the wide range of provision for the education workforce, which we will report on in the next academic year.
“More people are learning Welsh, more are learning at higher levels, and new work streams are leading to growth. Our aim is to continue to work creatively to offer a wide choice of opportunities to learn Welsh.”
The centre’s Learn Welsh experts have developed a national curriculum which is aligned to the ‘CEFR’ (European Framework of Reference for Languages) with courses available at different levels, from beginners to confidence building.
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Hugely encouraging numbers, but why not give the half million learners currently dysgu cymraeg ar duolingo a little nod?
Agree. Duolingo makes practising your Welsh engaging; even fun!
Chwarae teg, Duolingo was what got me started. Then onto Dysgu Cymraeg courses and sitting my GCSE this Summer.
This is great news! What Wales needs is to follow the example of the Nordic countries like Norway & Sweden. Both highly educated multilingual countries where they teach English as a second language and their own first. No child in Wales should be denied the right to speak their own native tongue. They are like sponges when it comes to learning. Starting early is vital. Are Welsh Labour serious about their 1 million Welsh speakers by 2050, or is it all wind and political posturing? You know, bit like promising to stand up for Wales interests against those UK Labour… Read more »
Cytunaf cant y cant ~ I agree 100%
It would be worth having free language classes for retirees in every community. It might seem strange teaching old dogs new tricks but, not only is it good for social isolation and keeping the brain active, the Fakebook keyboard warriors among them will likely transition from being the biggest online opponents of the indigenous British language into massive advocates.
Dysgu cymraeg do have many affordable courses, both flexible learning and class based. They offer various funding to suit most pockets, and if you’re in receipt of certain benefits, it’s free.
What’s depressing is the number of adults living in rural Ceredigion that I come across who have absolutely no knowledge whatsoever of any Welsh. Difficult to understand their acceptance of their own ignorance and what they are missing out on.
I’m not in the least bit surprised.From LlanSteffan to Llandudno there are incomers who don’t know a bore da between them.