ESTYN’S Chief Inspector has praised examples of strong practice across Wales’ education system but warned that weaknesses in literacy, teaching quality and leadership are still holding too many learners back.

The findings are set out in the education watchdog’s Annual Report, published today, which draws on inspection evidence from schools, colleges, training providers and wider education services during the 2024–2025 academic year.

While the report highlights encouraging developments — including improvements linked to curriculum reform and new national education bodies — it concludes that the system has not yet worked cohesively enough to ensure consistently high-quality teaching and learning across Wales.

Inspectors identified positive examples, including schools adopting structured approaches to reading, providers building strong professional learning cultures, and local authorities expanding Welsh-medium specialist provision.

However, long-standing challenges remain. These include inconsistencies in leadership and self-evaluation, recruitment difficulties, uneven access to high-quality professional development for teachers, and weaknesses in core skills such as reading, mathematics and digital competence.

Owen Evans, Chief Inspector, said: “This year’s report certainly points to grounds for optimism. Ongoing reform to the curriculum, the new School Improvement Programme, the establishment of Adnodd and Dysgu, and the first fully operational year of Medr provide opportunities to strengthen coherence across the system.

“We are, however, acutely aware of the increasing pressures on providers, including financial constraints, growing numbers of learners educated other than at school and rising demand for specialist provision. Concerns around literacy levels and teaching quality across Wales remain and without a sharper and more sustained focus in these areas, too many learners will continue to fall short of their potential.”

The report reviews inspection and thematic findings from the past academic year across eighteen sectors, including schools, non-maintained nursery settings, further education colleges, apprenticeships, initial teacher education, Welsh-language immersion provision and youth work.

It also examines how well education providers are addressing key challenges facing learners in Wales. Priority themes this year include developing humanities teaching, supporting pupils from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, strengthening independent thinking skills, improving literacy and numeracy across the curriculum, and the impact of leadership on teaching quality.

Mr Evans added: “I would like to thank all settings, providers, staff and learners who continue to demonstrate dedication and commitment despite significant pressures. Estyn remains committed to providing rigorous, constructive and fair independent scrutiny.

“I’m proud to include the innovation and strong practice we have seen across Wales and am optimistic that we can build on these strong foundations. However, decisive action is needed to address systemic weaknesses. We will continue to play our part by highlighting best practice, challenging underperformance and supporting improvement — for learners, for Wales.”

Alongside best-practice case studies, this year’s report is accompanied by a series of podcasts featuring education professionals and learners discussing themes such as apprenticeships and developing independent thinking.

A MAJOR boost for Wales’ renewable energy sector could bring thousands of new jobs after a record number of projects secured UK Government backing — including one development in Pembrokeshire.

Twenty large-scale renewable energy schemes across Wales have been awarded contracts in the latest Contracts for Difference (CfD) auction round, providing long-term price guarantees for electricity generation and allowing construction to move forward.

The successful projects include five onshore wind farms, 12 solar developments and three tidal energy schemes, with a combined capacity of more than 530 megawatts.

Among them is the Pembrokeshire Solar Park, a proposed 9.9MW solar development which could contribute to local energy generation and economic activity in the county.

Welsh Government ministers said the projects together could create thousands of green jobs while helping Wales meet its carbon reduction targets.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “I am delighted these projects have been successful in the latest auction round. As well as meeting vital targets to reduce carbon, onshore wind and tidal energy bring major economic benefits and high-quality jobs to Wales. The Welsh Government is committed to ensuring Wales is at the forefront of the green energy revolution.”

Nearly all available UK tidal funding in this auction round — 99.65% — was secured by Welsh projects, strengthening Wales’ position in marine energy development.

Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, said improving planning certainty had been key to attracting investment.

She said: “We know how important clarity and certainty are for developers, which is why we are working hard to speed up the planning process for major infrastructure projects. Our new legislation and our investment in capacity building is already making a difference.”

The Welsh Government said the developments will also create supply-chain opportunities for local businesses across Wales.

While the majority of projects are located outside west Wales, the inclusion of the Pembrokeshire scheme highlights the county’s continuing role in the transition toward renewable energy, alongside existing and planned marine and hydrogen initiatives around the Milford Haven Waterway.

The Contracts for Difference scheme is the UK Government’s main mechanism for supporting low-carbon electricity generation, providing developers with a guaranteed price for power over a fixed period to reduce financial risk and encourage investment.

Further details about timelines for individual projects are expected to emerge as developers progress planning and construction phases.

A POPULAR Pembrokeshire takeaway business is expanding across West Wales, with a new fish and chip shop preparing to open in The Mumbles.

Tenby’s Fish & Chips has announced that its sister business, Bilco’s Traditional Fish and Chip Shop, will soon welcome customers at the Swansea seaside village location.

The new outlet will offer freshly prepared, traditional fish and chips using quality ingredients, with the owners promising the same friendly service that customers have come to expect from their existing businesses.

In a statement shared on social media, the team said they were excited to become part of the local community and share their passion for classic British takeaway food with new customers.

An official opening date has not yet been confirmed, but further details are expected to be announced soon.