PhD student wins Learner of the Year at the 2026 National Eisteddfod

Jonathan Davies has won the Learner of the Year competition at this year’s National Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire.

He was announced as the winner of the competition during a ceremony on the Maes on Wednesday, August 5. Following the announcement on the Pavilion stage, Jonathan received the Learner of the Year trophy, presented by Cymdeithas Waldo, and £300 from Geraint and Siân James of Siop Awen Teifi in Cardigan.

The 3 other finalists were Caroline Jones from Gwynedd, Kierion Lloyd from the Wrexham area, and Paige Morgan from the USA.

Jonathan said: “It’s hard to describe how it feels to win Learner of the Year! Taking part was one of the greatest privileges of my life, and I’m so incredibly grateful to say I’ve won.

“I didn’t expect to win at all. I remember when they said that I had won, I was still looking at the other 3 and thinking, “Why aren’t they moving”! It was a privilege to get to know Kierion, Caroline and Paige, and they’re fantastic people. I still can’t believe that I’m the winner.

“Also, I’m really thankful for all the support I received from the community in the Department of Welsh on my journey here, and for the lovely words I’ve received since reaching the final. I’m really looking forward to next year to see what will happen with all the new opportunities that will be open to me.”

Jonathan, who is from Loughor, near Swansea, started learning Welsh in 2020 after living in London in order to reconnect with his culture. After 2 years of learning the language, he started working as a Welsh tutor for adults, something he continues to do today with Learn Welsh Swansea.

In addition to his work as a Welsh tutor for adults, Jonathan is studying for a PhD at Cardiff University and his project looks at Welsh education in English-medium primary schools in Wales. He has also set up a new podcast titled Ymchwil Ar Y Gweill (“Research in Progress”), which gives a platform to Welsh-language researchers to discuss their work.

Huge congratulations on winning the Learner of the Year competition, Jonathan!