Established in 1958 the London Welsh School stands before you. Its story begins not in grand halls but in humble Saturday morning Welsh language classes. These classes were held at the London Welsh Centre in 1955. A group of dedicated fathers wanting their children to learn their native tongue founded the school. For many years it was the only Welsh-medium institution outside Wales a testament to the enduring spirit of the Welsh diaspora.
The London Welsh School wasn’t always here on Westcott Crescent. It moved several times. For a time it resided in the Welsh Chapel in Willesden Green. In 2000 a move to Stonebridge Park primary school in Brent became necessary. The school’s survival was even debated in the Houses of Parliament. Julie Morgan MP championed its cause. She called it a lifeline for families temporarily in London.
Finally in 2015 the London Welsh School found its current home. This is the Hanwell Community Centre. It’s a building steeped in history. It was once a school attended by the legendary Charlie Chaplin. The children now learn Welsh in these very same walls. The building’s walls seem to whisper stories of both past and present. They echo with the sounds of Welsh lessons and perhaps even a faint echo of Chaplin’s youthful laughter.
The London Welsh School isn’t just a school. It is a cultural cornerstone. It has been invited to the Houses of Parliament for St David’s Day celebrations. Children regularly perform for the Speaker of the House. Famous Welsh figures like Cerys Matthews and Sean Fletcher have sent their own children here. In 2019 the school even won the Can Actol Blwyddyn 6 ac uau at the Urdd National Eisteddfod. Their success is an inspiration.
Today the London Welsh School continues its proud legacy. It is a beacon of Welsh identity in London. The school teaches children aged three to eleven. They learn in both Welsh and English becoming fully bilingual. Its success is a testament to the determination of its founders and the commitment of its teachers. They preserve a piece of Welsh culture in the heart of London. The school ensures that future generations can connect with their Welsh heritage. This is not just a school it’s a vibrant community a testament to the enduring spirit of Wales.