Gwynedd
Welsh-medium Education in Gwynedd
Welsh is an integral part of life, education and communities in Gwynedd. Welsh-medium education gives children the opportunity to learn, play and develop through the Welsh language, using Welsh naturally as part of their education and everyday life.
Parents and carers do not need to speak Welsh for their child to receive Welsh-medium education. Support is available for children and families throughout the journey.
On this page, you can find information about schools in Gwynedd, nursery and childcare provision, Welsh-language immersion education, post-16 education, school transport and support for families.
Schools in Gwynedd
Welsh-medium education is central to school provision in Gwynedd.
All schools in Gwynedd, with the exception of three transitional schools, are Welsh-medium schools.
The three transitional schools are:
- Ysgol Uwchradd Tywyn – Tywyn
- Ysgol Friars – Bangor
- Ysgol Ein Harglwyddes – Bangor
These three schools are working to increase their Welsh-medium provision and move to a higher Welsh language category over the coming years. Gwynedd Council provides additional support for staff and learners at these schools to further develop the use of Welsh.
You can use Gwynedd Council’s Find a School service to find primary, secondary and special schools in your area, along with school information and contact details.
Nursery, pre-school and childcare provision
Welsh is central to early years and school provision across Gwynedd.
Children have opportunities to use Welsh from an early age through nursery provision, Cylchoedd Meithrin, Ti a Fi groups and family services.
The language of provision may vary among some private childcare providers, so it is worth contacting the provider directly to confirm what Welsh-language provision is available.
Teulu Gwynedd brings together information, advice and services to support children, young people and their families. Gwynedd Family Information Service also provides advice about childcare, support for parents, activities and local services.
Search for a Cylch Meithrin or Ti a Fi group on the Mudiad Meithrin website
Joining Welsh-medium education at a later stage
Children and young people can join Welsh-medium education in Gwynedd even if they have not been educated through the medium of Welsh from the beginning.
Cyfundrefn Addysg Drochi Gwynedd – Gwynedd’s Welsh Immersion Education System is a specialist service that helps children who are new to Welsh develop the language in a natural, intensive and supportive way.
The service includes 6 Welsh immersion centres across Gwynedd:
- 3 primary centres for pupils in Years 2–4
- 3 transition centres for pupils in Years 5–9
The centres are located in:
- Caernarfon
- Dolgellau
- Pwllheli
- Porthmadog
- Bangor
- Tywyn
Pupils usually attend the provision for 10 weeks, spending four days a week at the immersion centre and one day at their home school. After the immersion period, they return to their school full-time with ongoing support to continue developing their Welsh.
Find out more on the Cyfundrefn Addysg Drochi Gwynedd website
Learning through experiences – Aberwla
Cyfundrefn Addysg Drochi Gwynedd uses Aberwla, an imaginary town that helps learners use Welsh in natural and practical situations.
Through creative activities, role play and technology, children develop their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in a fun and supportive environment.
The provision also uses virtual reality (VR) technology to give children opportunities to use and develop their Welsh in a range of different situations.
Find out more about the course and Aberwla
I don’t speak Welsh – can I choose Welsh-medium education for my child?
Yes. Parents and carers do not need to speak Welsh for their child to receive Welsh-medium education in Gwynedd.
The Welsh immersion service, schools and local services can support children who are new to Welsh, and there are also opportunities for parents and carers to begin learning or use more Welsh themselves.
Siarter Iaith – Welsh Language Charter
Siarter Iaith – the Welsh Language Charter is used in schools across Gwynedd to encourage children and young people to use Welsh naturally both inside and outside school.
The work includes Criwiau Cymraeg in primary schools and Language Forums in secondary schools, with the aim of increasing the social use of Welsh among children and young people.
Find out more about Siarter Iaith Gwynedd
Age 16 and beyond
The journey through Welsh-medium education does not have to end after completing GCSEs.
A number of schools in Gwynedd offer Sixth Form provision:
- Ysgol Friars – Bangor
- Ysgol Tryfan – Bangor
- Ysgol Dyffryn Ogwen – Bethesda
- Ysgol Brynrefail – Llanrug
- Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle – Penygroes
- Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen – Caernarfon
- Ysgol Godre’r Berwyn – Bala
Young people can also continue their education through Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, with provision at Coleg Menai and Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor, including campuses in Bangor, Dolgellau, Glynllifon and Pwllheli.
Find out more about further education on the Gwynedd Council website
Visit the Grŵp Llandrillo Menai website
School transport in Gwynedd
School catchment areas and transport are important considerations when choosing a school.
Children may be eligible for school transport if they live in Gwynedd, attend their nearest school or their catchment school, and meet the criteria set out in the School Transport Policy.
Gwynedd Council also provides information about school journeys, bus timetables and post-16 transport.
Find out more about travelling to school in Gwynedd
A 16+ Travel Pass is available for some learners travelling to school or college, with services including routes to Sixth Form schools and Grŵp Llandrillo Menai campuses.
Learning Welsh for parents and carers
There are opportunities for parents and carers to learn Welsh or develop their language skills.
Learn Welsh – North West provides courses across Gwynedd, Anglesey and Conwy, as well as online courses.
Visit Learn Welsh – North West
Support for children and families
Teulu Gwynedd provides information and support for families on a wide range of issues, including childcare, support for parents and carers, activities and events, financial matters and returning to work or education.
Gwynedd Family Information Service can help families find the services or support they need.
Using Welsh in the community
Menter Iaith Gwynedd works to increase the use of Welsh across Gwynedd, creating opportunities for people to use the language naturally in their communities, through activities and in everyday life.
The Menter also supports learners and new Welsh speakers to build confidence in using the language.
Visit the Menter Iaith Gwynedd website
View resources for learners and new Welsh speakers
More information about schools and education in Gwynedd
To find a specific school, view contact details or search for schools in your area, use Gwynedd Council’s Find a School service.
For the latest information about Welsh-language immersion education, visit the Cyfundrefn Addysg Drochi Gwynedd website.