The National Centre for Learning Welsh has warmly welcomed the announcement of the 2025 Welsh Learner of the Year at the Wrecsam National Eisteddfod, highlighting the growing success of the Learn Welsh sector across Wales.
As the specialist body leading the Learn Welsh sector, the Centre is proud to support this prestigious award, which recognises individuals who have embraced learning Welsh and achieved exceptional progress.
This year’s winner – Lucy Cowley – will serve as an ambassador for the Centre over the next 12 months, sharing their powerful language journey and inspiring others to keep learning or take their first steps into the Welsh language.
Dona Lewis, Chief Executive of the National Centre for Learning Welsh, said:
“Llongyfarchiadau - huge congratulations to Lucy on being named Welsh Learner of the Year. It was a privilege to watch the ceremony in the pavilion today, and hear such positive and uplifting stories from people who are learning Welsh – and to see them becoming new speakers of the language.
“We look forward to working with Lucy over the coming year to encourage even more people to choose Welsh and to show how the language opens the door to exciting opportunities that enrich lives.”
The Centre has seen a significant rise in the number of people learning Welsh. According to its latest official figures, 18,330 people completed its courses during 2023–2024 – the highest number to date and a 45% increase compared with the first published data, for 2017–2018, when the figure stood at 12,700.
The Centre delivers a successful learning model aligned with the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), providing a clear pathway to becoming a Welsh speaker. The Centre also delivers tailored programmes for a range of audiences, including families, young people, the education workforce, the world of sport, and the health and care sector.
Image: National Eisteddfod of Wales
