Darllenwch y dudalen hon yn Gymraeg
This is not just about understanding history or geography it is about preparing learners to become active, informed, and responsible citizens who can engage with democratic processes and make thoughtful decisions about the world around them.
For teachers, this matters because it shapes what and how we teach, from early years through to age 16, learners are expected to explore concepts such as rights, responsibility, justice, and governance, and to understand how political systems operate locally, nationally, and globally. By embedding these ideas into your curriculum design, you help learners develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical reasoning skills essential for life in modern Wales and beyond.
The next Senedd election will take place on 7 May 2026. Anyone aged 16 and over who lives in Wales can vote. This is a great opportunity to bring real time politics to life in the classroom.
There are lots of resources and organisations available to support you to engage your learners in democratic education ahead of the election.
Resources, events and more
Senedd Election 2026 Resources
The Children’s Commissioner for Wales, the Senedd Commission, and the Electoral Commission have worked in partnership to create new resources that support young people to learn about the Senedd and how to vote. The resources are aimed at first-time voters but are suitable for all young people in year 10 and up.
The resources cover key topics including:
1. Children’s rights and the importance of voting
2. The role and history of the Senedd and how it is changing in 2026
3. How to register and vote at a Senedd election
Resources include an assembly, lesson plans, short activities, and educator guidance.
Download the Senedd election resources: Democracy Classroom
Let’s Talk Senedd: Educator Training Programme
The Senedd Commission’s free online Teams sessions are designed for educators who are beginners when it comes to learning about the Senedd. It aims to boost educator confidence when starting conversations with young people about politics, voting, and elections.
In this 45-minute session, educators will learn about the Senedd, democracy in Wales, and they will be provided with step-by-step guidance on delivering sessions to young people.
Let’s Talk Senedd: explaining democracy in Wales (4 February, 16.00 – 16.45)
Let’s Talk Senedd: explaining democracy in Wales (5 March, 16.00 – 16.45)
Visiting the Senedd
Educators can arrange a free school educational session to the Senedd and receive a bespoke session from the Senedd’s Education Team. The sessions are designed for all ages and provides an insight on how the Senedd, and democracy works in Wales. A travel subsidy is also available.
To book your visit: https://senedd.wales/visit/education-and-youth-engagement/visit-us
Outreach and Education Visit
The Senedd Education team also provides a free educational visit to your school, college or youth group. Visits are tailored to your needs but with a clear emphasis on the work of the Senedd and the upcoming Senedd Elections.
Welcome to Your Vote Week (9 – 16 March 2026)
An opportunity for those who work with young people to start a conversation about democracy and voting. Every year the Electoral Commission invite schools, youth groups, and local elections teams to join them in celebrating democracy by running activities that help young people understand how it works and how to get involved.
This year’s theme is ‘Why Voting Matters’. Discover the difference voting makes and how young people can have their voices heard.
Find out more and sign-up to take part.
Electoral Commission resources including resources about how to design a voter registration campaign, run a registration drive and on mis and disinformation.
Guidance on how to embed democratic education within the Curriculum for Wales
Videos for young people about the Senedd and Senedd elections.
Host a Hustings Cymru
Here teachers and youth practitioners can access help to organise and deliver their own youth hustings events for the 2026 Senedd elections.
Youth Hustings provide a platform for young people aged 14–25 to engage directly with electoral candidates in Welsh elections. They give young people the chance to ask questions, voice their opinions, and take part in meaningful dialogue in the run-up to local and national votes. Events can be run in person or online.
To find out more about Host a Hustings Cymru, and to register your interest in taking part
Digital Dialogues: Wales Programme
Support for learners across Wales to have meaningful conversations with their elected representatives.
It also helps teachers to prepare learners for those conversations through delivering engaging workshops with learning resources that empower learners to become ethical, informed citizens of Wales and the world, directly supporting one of the four core purposes of the Curriculum for Wales. To find out more about Digital Dialogue: Wales
Shout Out UK (SOUK)
Is running a two-year programme of interactive workshops across schools and colleges in Wales to inform and empower young people (aged 14-18) to participate actively in the country’s democracy.
The programme aims to increase participants’ likelihood to vote and their understanding of political processes. It will also equip students with skills to evaluate election-related information, identify mis/disinformation, combat online hate, promote candidate safety, and become responsible, active, and informed digital citizens. Contact caitlin@shoutoutuk.org to organise free sessions in your school!
Information and links to all of the above, as well as additional resources to support you in the build up to the 2026 election can be found on the Senedd Elections page of Democracy Classroom.