Cornish Language Given Enhanced Status
In November 2025, the UK Government moved Kernewek, the Cornish language, to Part III status under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, offering it greater protection and support.
The Charter is a treaty to protect and promote regional or minority languages in Europe, (including Welsh, Manx, Basque, Sami and other languages) recognising their significant cultural heritage.
Implications for Schools
The Cornish language is part of Cornwall’s distinct cultural identity, and part of what makes it such a special place to learn and live. Every young person growing up in Cornwall should have the opportunity to develop the sense of confidence, belonging and pride that comes from a shared understanding of cultural heritage and identity.
Our ambition is that all children in Cornwall leave primary school with an awareness of and connection to the Cornish language, reflecting local priorities and this renewed enhanced status.
To support this, a set of practical, entry level resources has been developed through the Go Cornish programme. These resources are designed to be light-touch, supporting teaching, not just around key points in the year such as St Piran’s Day and Speak Cornish Week, but also complementing the wider curriculum all year round.
Schools are encouraged to take advantage of these materials as a positive step towards developing an awareness of the Cornish language. The Go Cornish Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards then provide a clear, quality-assured pathway for schools wishing to embed Cornish language learning more fully within their curriculum.
Cllr Hilary Frank,
Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Schools
June 2026