School improvement and learner attainment

The Children, Young People and Education Committee held a short, focused piece of work looking at school improvement and learner attainment.

On 3 February 2026 the Committee wrote (PDF 259KB) to the Cabinet Secretary for Education highlighting the issues raised during this piece of work.

The areas of interest for this work:

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>>>The future of school improvement arrangements and how the Welsh Government, local authorities and relevant partners work together to deliver the highest possible standards of education.

>>>Educational outcomes of learners and gaps in attainment between groups of pupils.

>>>Factors impacting on educational progress such as pupil absence, deprivation, funding and workforce capacity.

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Gathering evidence

The Committee wrote (PDR 87KB) to specific organisations asking for written evidence.

Following the request for written evidence, we received the following:

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>>>Response from University of Wales, Trinity Saint David – 17 April 2025 (PDF 363KB)

>>>Response from Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council – 14 April 2025 (PDF 385KB)

>>>Response from Swansea Council – 30 April 2025 (PDF 425KB)

>>>Response from Isle of Anglesey County Council - 9 May 2025 (PDF 175KB)

>>>Response from Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council – 11 May 2025 (PDF 101KB)

>>>Response from the Welsh Local Government Association and the Association of Directors of Education in Wales – 20 May 2025 (PDF 341KB)

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The Committee held a private round table event on Thursday 25 September inviting representatives from Local Authorities, the Welsh Local Government Association, the Association for Directors for Education, Head Teachers and Regional Consortia. A note (PDF 145KB) from this session is available.

On Thursday 6 November the Cabinet Secretary for Education attended a public scrutiny session, ahead of the session the Welsh Government provided a written paper (PDF 1MB). During the session the Cabinet Secretary agreed to provide some additional information (PDF 261KB).  Following this session the Committee agreed to write (PDF 108KB) to the Chair of the Reading Reform Foundation UK seeking views on the Welsh Government Expert Literacy Panel. On the 20th January the Committee received a response (PDF 220KB).