London Welsh School facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ysgol Gymraeg Llundain |
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| Address | |
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Westcott Crescent
, W7 1PD
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| Information | |
| Other name | London Welsh School |
| Type | Independent School |
| Motto | A Fynn a Fedr ('Who persists achieves') |
| Established | 1958 |
| Department for Education URN | 101573 Tables |
| Ofsted | Reports |
| Chair | Glenys Roberts |
| Head Teacher | Julie Katherine Watkins |
| Gender | All |
| Age | 3 to 11 |
| Enrolment | 12 (2023-24) |
| Capacity | 40 |
| Language | Welsh |
| Colour(s) | Red and green |
| School fees | For 2024–25, the fees are £4368 a year or £364 a month for children aged 5 years and older. (2023-24 £4260 or £355 respectively). Fees are paid monthly via standing order over the 12 months of the academic year in equal instalments. The fees are reviewed annually. |
| Website | http://www.ysgolgymraegllundain.co.uk |
The London Welsh School (which is Ysgol Gymraeg Llundain in Welsh) is a special primary school in London, England. It teaches children using the Welsh language for most classes and activities. This means students get a bilingual education, learning in both Welsh and English.
The school welcomes children from age three to eleven. There's a pre-school class for three and four-year-olds. There's also a group for babies and toddlers called Miri Mawr, which meets on Monday mornings.
Contents
School History
How the School Started
The idea for the London Welsh School began in 1955. At that time, there were Saturday morning Welsh language classes. These classes were held at the London Welsh Centre.
A group of fathers, whose children attended these classes, decided to do more. They wanted a full-time Welsh school. So, in 1958, they officially started the London Welsh School.
A Unique Welsh School
For many years, the London Welsh School was the only Welsh-speaking school outside of Wales. This changed when another Welsh school opened far away.
That school, called Ysgol yr Hendre, opened on March 6, 2006. It is located in Trelew, Patagonia, Argentina. It was created to serve the Welsh-Argentine community there.
Moving to New Homes
The London Welsh School has moved a few times. From 1961, it was located in the Welsh Chapel in Willesden Green. But in 2000, the school had to leave that building.
It then moved to the Stonebridge Park primary school in Brent. A Member of Parliament, Julie Morgan, spoke about the school in 2000. She said it was very important for families who temporarily moved to London. It helped them keep their connection to the Welsh language.
In 2015, the school moved to its current location. It is now at the Hanwell Community Centre in Hanwell, Ealing. This building has a cool history! The famous actor Charlie Chaplin went to a school there between 1896 and 1898.
School Life and Achievements
Visiting Parliament
For many years, the London Welsh School has been invited to the Houses of Parliament. This is where the UK government makes laws. The children take part in the St. David's Day service.
During this special event, the students usually perform. They get to sing or present in front of the Speaker of the House of Commons. This is a big honor!
Famous Connections
Many well-known Welsh people have sent their children to the London Welsh School. This shows how much they value Welsh education. Some of these famous people include singer Cerys Matthews, TV presenter Sean Fletcher, and radio executive Sioned Wiliam.
Winning Awards
In 2019, the London Welsh School achieved a great success. They won the Cân Actol Blwyddyn 6 ac iau award. This was at the Urdd National Eisteddfod in Cardiff Bay. The Urdd Eisteddfod is a big festival for young people in Wales.
The school has been very successful over the years. It is one of the few places in London that helps keep Welsh identity strong.
