Plaid Cymru has unveiled a major new strategy aimed at addressing what it describes as a “crisis” in Wales’s education system — including a proposal to offer trainee teachers up to £30,000 to study and work in the country.
The announcement was made during the party’s annual conference in Swansea, where education was placed firmly at the heart of Plaid Cymru’s vision for government. The new package of measures, which the party calls a “national mission” for education, is designed to raise standards in literacy and numeracy, strengthen teacher recruitment, and restore pride in the profession.
Boosting Recruitment and Retention
Under the proposed scheme, financial support for trainee teachers would be conditional upon recipients committing to at least five years in a Welsh teaching post following their probationary period. Wales currently offers grants of up to £15,000 for certain high-demand subjects, but Plaid Cymru says this must be expanded and aligned with incentives available in England.
Education spokesperson Cefin Campbell MS said the party’s proposals mark a decisive shift from what he described as Labour’s “failure” to support teachers and pupils effectively.
“Under Labour’s watch, Wales is facing a crisis in teacher recruitment and retention,” he said. “Plaid Cymru will deliver a bold, practical, and inclusive strategy to renew educational standards.”
A “National Mission” for Education
Plaid Cymru’s education plan outlines several key commitments:
- Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Plan – National benchmarks would be introduced to ensure consistent standards, with targeted support to help pupils reach their full potential.
- A Library in Every Primary School – Every primary school would be guaranteed a dedicated library space to encourage bilingualism and nurture a lifelong love of reading.
- Reading Across the Curriculum – Literacy would be embedded into all secondary school subjects to aid pupils’ transition from primary to secondary education.
- Improved Teacher Incentives – The party pledges to progressively close the pay gap with England by the end of the next Senedd term, alongside launching a national campaign, “Dewch i Ddysgu” (Come to Teach), to promote the profession and attract new talent.
Leadership Ambitions
Speaking at the conference, Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth said the party is ready to “replace Labour in leading the next Welsh Government”, pointing to recent polls indicating a rise in support for Plaid. However, the party also faces competition from the growing popularity of Reform UK in some areas.
Sector Response
The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT Cymru) welcomed aspects of the proposals but emphasised that any reforms must be backed by practical classroom support.
NAHT Cymru representative Lauren Doel said:
“Our position is the two go hand in hand: without supporting highly-skilled teachers and teaching assistants in our classrooms, and strong, empowered leaders in our schools, we cannot hope to tackle the challenges around standards.”
She also urged a focus on strengthening pupils’ reading abilities before expanding infrastructure, noting that “interventions to help children read are a top priority.”
A Pledge for Change
Plaid Cymru’s education strategy seeks to position the party as a credible alternative to Labour’s long-standing leadership in Wales. With education policy high on the public agenda, the party’s pledge to raise teacher incentives, promote bilingual learning, and improve literacy outcomes is likely to feature prominently in the next Senedd campaign.
