Canary Islands' Education Department Announces IB Pilot Program

Overview

The Canary Islands' Education Department has announced a pilot project to introduce the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program in select public schools during the 2026-2027 academic year.

This initiative aims to enhance educational quality, foster international-mindedness, and increase opportunities for students to pursue globally recognized university entrance standards without replacing the regular Spanish Bachillerato.

Program Details

• Students in their final year of compulsory secondary education (4th year ESO) who meet academic criteria—specifically a minimum average grade of 7.5—will be able to apply for this voluntary program.
• The pilot will initially feature 80 spots across two schools, with plans for gradual expansion based on the program’s success and organizational readiness.

Teacher Roles

• Key roles will be assigned to trained teachers, including coordinators responsible for:
  • Curriculum alignment
  • Student progress
  • Maintaining IB standards

Student Curriculum

• Participating students will undertake a two-year curriculum emphasizing:
  • Inquiry
  • Critical thinking
  • Multilingual communication
  • Social responsibility
• The curriculum aligns with the broader goals of sustainable development and social cohesion.

Additional Initiatives

• The project includes extensive informational sessions for families and students to ensure transparency and equal access.

Implementation and Future Prospects

• Final approval from the International Baccalaureate organization is required for centers to fully implement the program.
• If successful, this pilot could set a precedent for expanding international education within Spain’s public school system, offering residents greater educational diversity and international competitiveness.