Literacy and Numeracy in Wales: More than just another plan?
Response to the statement by the Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language: The Foundation Literacy and Numeracy Plan (15 September 2026)
It's great to see the Welsh Government putting a clear focus on literacy and numeracy as a national priority. Recent PISA results have once again highlighted that we, as a nation, continue to perform below other UK countries in reading, maths and science. Even more worrying, a consistent downward trend has been seen over the past decade. These aren't just statistics on paper. They represent life opportunities for thousands of young people in Wales.
According to the latest data, nearly a third of 15-year-olds in Wales are working below Level 2 in reading, the level considered necessary to contribute effectively to society and succeed in the modern workplace. This should concern us all. It affects employability, productivity, health, civic participation and Wales' economic success in the future.
The truth is things aren't working as they are right now. Despite the commitment and dedication of practitioners across Wales, the system doesn't create the consistent improvement our learners deserve. Research also shows links between poor reading skills and a range of wider challenges, including poor mental health. At the same time, many schools report that behaviour and emotional wellbeing are becoming a growing concern. When you look at these factors together, the picture demands urgent action.
That's why the new focus on literacy and numeracy should be welcomed. The extra clarity about expectations, progress and accountability is likely to be welcomed by schools, as these areas are already key priorities for them. However, it's worth remembering that the education sector has seen a number of plans, strategies and policy changes over recent years. Publishing a new plan isn't the challenge anymore. The challenge is making sure it sticks around…
This change needs to be permanent, substantial and totally solid. After an extended period of reform and change, schools, teachers and learners need stability, clear direction and long-term momentum. Only by maintaining a consistent focus over several years will real improvement in standards be seen. There is now a chance to ensure that literacy and numeracy stay at the top of the national education agenda and central to Wales' education policy for the long term.
But success won't rely on ambition alone. It will depend on the quality of execution. Schools will need access to professional learning, resources and support necessary to turn policy into effective classroom practice. The key question is how we turn this ambition into continuous improvement for every learner. The Welsh Government, Estyn, Learning, Resources, Cal:on, local authorities and other partners will play a vital role in that.
Specifically, investment will be needed in professional development that's grounded in solid research and a clear understanding of what really makes a difference to learning. Raising standards doesn't happen just by publishing guidelines; it happens when practitioners get the support, time, and skills to make change effectively.
Another aspect of the plan that's likely to spark discussion is the use of personal assessments and the new indicators. The reasoning for not sharing this information with parents and learners initially is understandable. There is a clear desire to avoid misusing data or creating unfair comparisons between schools. However, this also raises an important question. If the information is valuable enough to guide school improvement and professional discussions, how will learner progress be communicated clearly, consistently and meaningfully to parents and families?
In the end, the success of the plan won't be measured by the number of policies published or the data collected. It will be measured by seeing more children and young people in Wales able to read confidently, use maths effectively, and develop the skills they need to thrive in education, work and life. Whatever their background or starting point, that should be at the heart of our national ambition.
And if the new plan helps achieve that, it will be a really important step forward for Wales…