Education and Skills

Aims

The Department aims to raise standards and performance in education and skills sectors and secure the future of the Welsh language.

Priorities

Our strategic priorities are to:

• Raise the standards of education and training provision, attainment and infrastructure across Wales so that everyone can reach their potential.
• Deliver a suitably skilled workforce with high-quality opportunities for all learners.
• Support individuals, families, communities and businesses in improving economic and social wellbeing and reducing inequality through education and training.
• See the Welsh language thrive in Wales.

Structure

We are led by the Minister for Education and Skills and the Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology.  Our role is to support and advise them.

The lead civil servant for Education and Skills is Owen Evans. Education and Skills operates through 3 areas which are responsible for policy, planning, funding and monitoring services in their respective areas.

• Schools and Young People – Curriculum, Learning Improvement and Professional Development, Infrastructure Unit, Schools Management and Effectiveness, School Standards Unit, Support for Learners.
• Skills, Higher Education and Lifelong Learning Group – Qualifications and Learning, Further Education, Higher Education, Transformation Programme Management, Business and Skills.
• Welsh Language Unit – Strategy, Welsh Government Scheme, Welsh in the Community, Welsh in Education, implementation of the Welsh Language Measure.

The Department works in partnership with local authorities, schools, colleges, universities, training and skills providers and other public, private and voluntary sector organisations to deliver against our objectives.