Multilingualism and Welsh in Schools

5 interesting facts about languages spoken in Welsh schools (PLASC / StatsWales) — shorter

Other first languages have more than doubled. 18,402 pupils (aged 5+) had a first language other than

English/Welsh in 2011/12; 37,516 in 2024/25. Preconception change: It’s not a small,

static group—multilingualism is now normal. It’s concentrated in certain areas (especially Cardiff).

In 2024/25, Cardiff: 12,984 vs Neath Port Talbot: 856 (first language other than English/Welsh).

Preconception change: Diversity isn’t evenly spread; local context matters. Even “non-city”

areas have grown a lot. Neath Port Talbot rose from 366 (2011/12) to 856 (2024/25).

Preconception change: You still need to plan for multilingual needs outside big cities.