Parents Gather at County Hall to Advocate for New Welsh-Medium School in Cardiff
Parents in Cardiff are rallying together to push for the establishment of a new Welsh-medium secondary school in the city, particularly in the southern region. They argue that the current distribution of Welsh-medium education facilities is unbalanced, with all existing Welsh-medium secondary schools situated north of the A48 highway. This geographical disparity has left many parents facing a significant commute to ensure their children access Welsh-medium education, such as Ysgol Gyfun Glantaf, which was oversubscribed last year.
Campaigners recently reconvened outside County Hall to reiterate their demand for improved Welsh-medium education provision in Cardiff. The group has been actively engaging with Cardiff Council, presenting a letter advocating for a new school and raising concerns about the lack of Welsh-language education opportunities. To mark their latest visit, campaigners celebrated the traditional Welsh new year, or hen galan, expressing optimism following the council’s acknowledgment that a fourth Welsh-medium school could be viable in the future.
Carl Morris, a spokesperson for the campaign, highlighted the need for a clear and urgent plan from the council regarding the establishment of a Welsh-medium school in south Cardiff. Emphasising the importance of timely action, Morris expressed confidence in the council’s commitment to fostering Welsh-medium education across the city. However, he urged for transparent and actionable steps to be taken to address the current educational imbalance, ensuring fair access for all Cardiff’s children.
Cardiff Council has reaffirmed its dedication to promoting bilingual education and fostering Welsh-language learning opportunities. While the council acknowledges the potential for a fourth Welsh-medium secondary school, it emphasises the need to balance commitments and address practical challenges. The existing three Welsh-medium secondary schools have been cited as capable of accommodating students until at least 2031-32, yet campaigners argue that accessibility remains a pressing issue for families in the southern part of the city.
The campaign group plans to engage in open discussions to contribute towards the development of a comprehensive plan for the new Welsh-medium school. They advocate for modern facilities that reflect the city’s commitment to Welsh-medium education, ensuring a seamless transition from nursery to secondary levels. By actively participating in the dialogue with Cardiff Council, campaigners aim to provide insights and support to overcome any obstacles hindering the establishment of the much-needed school in south Cardiff.
The collective effort of parents and campaigners underscores the growing demand for enhanced Welsh-medium education facilities in Cardiff. As the city embraces and celebrates its cultural and linguistic diversity, the call for equitable access to quality education for all children resonates strongly within the community. The engagement between concerned citizens and local authorities signifies a collaborative approach towards addressing educational disparities and shaping a more inclusive educational landscape for future generations.
In conclusion, the ongoing advocacy for a new Welsh-medium secondary school in Cardiff reflects a commitment to preserving and promoting the Welsh language and cultural heritage within the educational system. The active involvement of parents and campaigners serves as a catalyst for positive change, urging stakeholders to prioritise equitable access to Welsh-medium education across all areas of the city. As discussions progress and plans take shape, the vision of a vibrant and inclusive Welsh-medium educational environment in Cardiff draws closer to realisation.