A programme to help support Welsh-speaking teachers to become
secondary school teachers in Wales is now open for applications
until 22 February 2026.
The ‘Cynllun Pontio' programme supports Welsh speakers who are
currently teaching in primary schools in Wales, who teach outside
Wales or teachers who have been out of the profession for five
years or more who wish to rejoin the profession.
The programme provides participants with a salary whilst they
complete their training to swich to become a secondary school
teacher.
Since 2020 nearly 100 people have been supported through the
scheme.
One school that has benefited from the scheme is Ysgol Bro Teifi.
Headteacher Gareth Evans said: “Cynllun Pontio has enabled us as
a school to retrain primary teachers to develop their experience
and confidence to teach in the secondary sector.
“During their experience, the teachers have benefited not only
from the support of a mentor within the school, but also the
support of a body of experienced staff.
“We are also pleased that some of them have been able to get jobs
with us at the school. Others have secured jobs in other
secondary schools meeting the scheme's aim of increasing the
capacity of Welsh-medium teachers within the education
system. This is undoubtedly a unique and effective
programme.”
Cabinet Secretary for Education, said: "We want to support
those who want to make the switch to secondary education or
rejoin teaching, whilst also utilising their Welsh language
skills. This programme provides a package of training and
financial support to help people in their education career.
“Cynllun Pontio has already helped many people fulfil their
ambition to become secondary school teachers, and I am pleased
that applications are once again open to support a new cohort of
people looking to join secondary education and teach in the Welsh
language.
“The programme is helping develop a teaching workforce to deliver
education through the medium of Welsh, which is essential in
developing the Welsh skills of our learners.”
To apply candidates should download and complete the
application form and submit via email by Sunday, 22
February 2026.
Cynllun Pontio is one of a number of initiatives, backed by £8m
of Welsh Government funding, to support practitioners to develop
their Welsh language skills and to increase the number of Welsh
medium teachers and teaching assistants. The funding also
includes:
- A £5,000 retention bursary for eligible secondary teachers
who teach Welsh or through the medium of Welsh
- Funding to increase the number of learners studying Welsh at
A Level, enabling schools to continue to provide Welsh as a
subject when learner numbers are low
- A range of courses for practitioners in English medium
schools to learn Welsh.
