Cabinet Secretary for Education Lynne Neagle MS told the Senedd that the curriculum, now being taught across all schools, was “transformative” and designed to ensure “every child in Wales deserves the best start in life.”
She said personalised assessment data was already showing improvements in reading and numeracy, with English reading attainment higher across all year groups compared with 2022/23.
“Where educators are getting this right, they are raising the bar for learners,” Ms Neagle said. “Our national support is about having high expectations for our learners, and giving practitioners the tools, support, and confidence to help our children and young people achieve their ambitions.”
The Cabinet Secretary highlighted a £44m support package, including £20m over three years for literacy and numeracy, and £1.4m to strengthen computing and digital skills.
Estyn’s findings
A thematic survey by Estyn, published in September 2025, found that while many schools were embedding the new curriculum effectively, there were still “wide variations” in classroom practice. Inspectors highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between primary and secondary schools, more targeted support for early literacy, and a sharper focus on reading skills.
Conservative criticism
The Welsh Conservatives argue the curriculum is failing to deliver.
Natasha Asghar MS, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education, said Estyn’s findings showed too many pupils were not reaching their potential, with poor teaching and inconsistent maths standards highlighted as key concerns.
“Labour can pat themselves on the back over their new curriculum, but the reality is school standards continue to fall,” Ms Asghar said. “Welsh children aren’t getting the education they deserve, and that’s down to 26 years of Labour mismanagement.”
The Conservatives also criticised what they called “skewed priorities” in funding, pointing to £12m allocated to music compared with £8.7m for maths, literacy, science and technology.
Plaid Cymru’s view
Plaid Cymru have warned that the reforms risk “patchy delivery” without stronger national direction and a clear workforce strategy. The party has called for more investment in teacher recruitment and retention, and for literacy, numeracy and the Welsh language to be given sharper focus.
Reform UK’s stance
Reform UK have branded the Curriculum for Wales “ideologically driven” and called for a return to more traditional subject‑based teaching. The party argues the reforms are confusing for parents and teachers and risk lowering standards by moving away from clear benchmarks in maths, science and literacy.
Liberal Democrat position
The Welsh Liberal Democrats say they support the principles of the new curriculum, but warn that underfunding and staff shortages risk undermining its delivery. They have called for smaller class sizes, more specialist teachers in maths and science, and stronger mental health support for pupils to ensure the reforms succeed.
Curriculum for Wales explained
The Curriculum for Wales was introduced in 2022 and is now being taught across all year groups. This September, the first cohort of pupils under the new curriculum entered Year 10, beginning work towards qualifications under the new 14–16 Learner Entitlement.
The government says the reforms are designed to give schools more flexibility to shape lessons around four key purposes: to develop ambitious, capable learners; enterprising, creative contributors; ethical, informed citizens; and healthy, confident individuals.
