WELSH Conservatives today welcomed figures showing the number of pupils being taught solely or mainly in the medium of Welsh has risen.

The figure has risen from 20.3% last year, to 20.6% in 2008, which translates as 480 more children.

Shadow Culture Minister Paul Davies AM said:

"These figures show there is a growing confidence in Welsh language education.

"This is incredibly positive news and proves that parents are happy to send their children to Welsh medium primary and secondary schools.

"It is also positive to see a dramatic rise in the number of primary pupils being exposed to Welsh at some point in the school day.

"Welsh Conservatives are committed to preserving and growing the Welsh language.

"It is important we continue to encourage people to use the Welsh language.

"Work still needs to be done to ensure teaching Welsh as a second language is more effective.

"Welsh Conservatives are committed to holding a review into this area of teaching to make sure every pupil across Wales understands the history and culture of their language."

Shadow Education minister Andrew Davies AM added:

"The number of pupils in Welsh schools being taught mainly in Welsh has been rising steadily now since 2001.

"To think a fifth of our children are now being taught principally in Welsh is a massive boost for our language.

"However we cannot afford to become complacent.

"These figures also show a continued decline in the number of pupils being taught Welsh as a second language.

"We need to be encouraging more people to learn Welsh and hopefully a review of why second language figures are falling will give the Assembly Government a clear idea of how to buck the numbers.

"Labour and Plaid must also work to ensure that people are given a real opportunity to use the Welsh they learn outwith the school gates."