11th November 2025
Here is your Tuesday update, covering:
· Applications Now Open for Primary School Places – September 2026
· Cardiff Council supports National Supported Lodgings Week 2025 to help young people find stability and independence
· Solar power boost for Cardiff’s leisure centres
· Celebrating Living Wage Week: “It’s More Than a Number”
Applications Now Open for Primary School Places – September 2026
____________________________________
Applications for primary school places for September 2026 are now open, and families are encouraged to apply on time and use all five preference options to maximise their chances of securing a place at a preferred school.
Parents are reminded that a new application must be submitted for a reception class place, even if their child already attends the school’s nursery as there is no automatic entitlement.
Every area in Cardiff is served by a Welsh-medium community primary, an English-medium community primary, a Church in Wales primary, and a Catholic primary school.
Applications for community primary schools are made directly to the Council via the online admissions system. Applications close: Monday, January 12th, 2026.
Cardiff Council supports National Supported Lodgings Week 2025 to help young people find stability and independence
Cardiff Council is proud to support the first-ever National Supported Lodgings Week, taking place from November 9 - 16 2025.
This new campaign shines a light on supported lodgings – where young people aged 16+ live with a host who provides a safe home, everyday guidance and the support of a trusted adult as they move toward independence.
Supported lodgings play a vital role in offering stability for young people who are leaving care, are separated migrant children or are at risk of homelessness. Despite the growing use and impact of supported lodgings, awareness remains low to address the unique challenges faced by young people.
Solar power boost for Cardiff’s leisure centres
Rooftop solar panels, battery storage and smart energy systems are being installed across eight leisure centres in Cardiff to reduce carbon emissions and cut energy costs.
The £1.65 million Cardiff Council project is expected to reduce electricity-related carbon emissions at the sites by around 35%, saving an estimated 146 tonnes of CO₂e annually.
Celebrating Living Wage Week: “It’s More Than a Number”
The Leader of Cardiff Council has issued a renewed call for businesses and organisations across the Welsh capital to become accredited Living Wage employers.
Speaking at the Living Wage Wales annual celebration event—held at the Norwegian Church Arts Centre in Cardiff Bay to mark the start of Living Wage Week (10–16 November)—Cllr Huw Thomas highlighted the Council’s decade-long commitment as a real Living Wage employer and described the policy as a reflection of the Council’s values and its vision for a Stronger, Fairer, Greener Cardiff.
Cllr Thomas urged more local employers to follow Cardiff Council’s lead and join the 225 businesses in the city already paying the real Living Wage.
