Award-winning scheme transforming lives at Cathays High School

Learners are being celebrated for their hard work and commitment to education at a national award ceremony in Swansea, as part of Adult Learners' Week.

One of the 11 winners is the Parent Learning Group at Cathays High School in Cardiff. It has been operating in a school where 43% of pupils are eligible for free school meals and more than 65 different languages are spoken since 2014.

The scheme empowers women to support their children's education and develop personally and professionally at the same time.

Evidence shows that family learning activities lead to positive outcomes for adults, particularly in accessing employment.

At Cathays High School, this translates into impressive results – learners achieve an average of 120 qualifications a year, with nearly half going on to find employment.

Courses such as literacy, numeracy, digital skills, childcare, creative arts and cookery are delivered in partnership with Adult Learning Wales.

Parent learners have gained new skills by volunteering at local community projects and at a breakfast club, which ensures children are fed and in school on time.

Tutor Christina Roy, who is also Cathays High School’s family learning co-ordinator, said:

“It’s very rewarding to help parents to support their children to learn better and develop themselves to be confident, skilled and self-dependent.

“Besides gaining qualifications to develop themselves, all learners feel they have helped each other to make a better community for all. By sharing our knowledge, experience and positivity, they will grow.”

One parent said:

“I have taken the courses to improve my practical and communication skills. They have helped me to work with children which is one of my goals.”

The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, said:

“Every award winner has demonstrated that learning knows no boundaries – whether it's age, background, or circumstance. From Foo Seng learning Welsh to sing in a choir, to Osian's journey from homelessness to the stage, these stories remind us that education and skills development remain the most powerful tools we have for creating opportunity and building stronger, more inclusive communities across Wales.

"The Welsh Government is committed to ensuring everyone has the chance to learn, grow and reach their potential, and this year’s Inspire! award winners are shining examples of what can be achieved when we invest in people's aspirations.”

Family learning is a key element in the Welsh Government’s Community Focused Schools approach where schools respond to the needs of their community, build strong partnerships with families and collaborate with other services.

£54m has been invested to date, enabling community-focused schools throughout Wales to open their facilities to families and the wider community. An additional £20m will this year support schools to provide spaces for services to strengthen engagement with learners and their families.