February 09, 2026 - 166 views
Welsh-speaking teachers across North Wales are being encouraged to apply for a programme designed to help boost the number of Welsh-medium secondary school teachers in the region.
Applications are now open for Cynllun Pontio, a scheme that supports Welsh speakers to retrain as secondary school teachers while continuing to earn a salary during their training. The programme is open until 22 February 2026.
The scheme is aimed at primary school teachers in Wales who want to move into secondary education, Welsh-speaking teachers currently working outside Wales, and those who have been out of the profession for five years or more and are looking to return.
With many secondary schools in North Wales facing ongoing challenges recruiting Welsh-medium staff – particularly in rural areas such as Gwynedd, Anglesey, Conwy and Denbighshire – the programme is seen as a key way of strengthening the local workforce and supporting Welsh-language education.
Since its launch in 2020, nearly 100 teachers across Wales have been supported through Cynllun Pontio, helping schools expand their capacity to deliver subjects through the medium of Welsh.
One school to benefit from the scheme is Ysgol Bro Teifi. Headteacher Gareth Evans said the programme had allowed primary teachers to gain confidence and experience in the secondary sector, with some going on to secure permanent posts.
“This is undoubtedly a unique and effective programme,” he said. “It has increased the capacity of Welsh-medium teachers within the education system and brought real benefits to schools.”
Education Secretary Lynne Neagle said the scheme plays an important role in developing a Welsh-speaking teaching workforce.
“We want to support those who wish to move into secondary education or rejoin teaching, while making full use of their Welsh language skills,” she said. “Cynllun Pontio has already helped many people achieve their ambition and applications are now open for the next cohort.”
Cynllun Pontio forms part of a wider £8 million package of funding aimed at increasing the number of Welsh-medium teachers and strengthening Welsh-language provision. Other measures include a £5,000 retention bursary for eligible secondary teachers, support to maintain Welsh A-level courses where pupil numbers are low, and Welsh-language training for staff in English-medium schools.
Teachers interested in applying must download and complete an application form and submit it by email to AthrawonCC.WMTeachers@gov.wales by Sunday 22 February 2026.
