Darllenwch y dudalen hon yn Gymraeg
Why We’re Changing How We Support Schools
You told us that our education system has been weighed down by complexity, with too many overlapping organisations, confusing funding streams, and a sense that improvement was something ‘done to’ schools rather than ‘done with’ them.
You’ve told us you want:
- More direct resources for your classrooms
- Less bureaucracy and clearer support structures
- A stronger voice in how improvement happens
- More collaboration with colleagues who understand your challenges
- Professional development that actually meets your needs
The School Improvement Partnership Programme is our response to these concerns, and is instrumental in driving forward change, putting you the education workforce – at the centre of raising standards across Wales.
What This Means for You in Practice
If you’re a classroom teacher or support staff:
- More focused support for teaching literacy and numeracy – We’re investing £1.1 million in targeted programmes to help children develop reading skills and mathematical understanding, with practical resources you can use in your classroom
- Clearer expectations – New guidance on literacy and numeracy will help you understand exactly what students should achieve at each stage
- Simplified professional development – From September 2025, a new professional learning body will provide clear, consistent training opportunities that you can access regardless of where you teach
- More school-to-school collaboration – You’ll have increased opportunities to work with and learn from colleagues facing similar challenges
If you’re a school leader:
- Greater agency in leading improvement – You’ll work directly with your local authority on improvement priorities across all areas of education
- Streamlined funding – Simplified grant processes mean less paperwork and more resources reaching your school
- Direct input into national priorities – A new Ministerial Headteacher Advisory Group will ensure your voice shapes education policy
- Expert support when you need it – The new Welsh Government Education Improvement Team will help to connect across local authorities and schools in relation to our national priorities.
If you’re a local authority education lead:
- Clearer role in supporting schools – You’ll work directly with schools in a collaborative partnership model
- Increased funding – A 5.5% increase in the Local Authority Education Grant (nearly £400m total) will support your work
- Better professional learning provision – The new national body will work with you to ensure consistent quality across Wales
What’s Different About This Approach?
We’re putting professional agency at the heart: This isn’t another top-down initiative. Your expertise and leadership are essential to making it work.
A focus on what matters most: We’re prioritising the fundamentals – attendance, literacy, numeracy, and wellbeing – giving you clarity on what to focus on.
Reducing complexity: We’re simplifying the system, with fewer organisations and clearer responsibilities.
Creating genuine partnerships: Schools, local authorities, and government working together rather than in hierarchies.
Supporting classroom practice: Our resources and training will focus on what makes the biggest difference to learning.
What Happens Next?
- January-summer 2025: Local authority proposals for your area will be implemented and transition completed
- Spring-summer 2025: New Professional Learning body formed
- September 2025: New Professional Learning body becomes fully operational
- By April 2026: All schools engaged in collaborative improvement partnerships
How can I keep up to date with what’s happening?
We’re committed to making this transition work for you and your learners, and keeping you informed is a priority for us.
Follow our channels:
Education Wales | Facebook
Welsh Government Education (@WG_Education) / X
Lynne & Vikki (@AddysgEducation) / X
Addysg Cymru / Education Wales – YouTube
Together, we can build an education system where every teacher has the support they need to help every child succeed.