What are the Basque Country's three language models (A, B, D)?

Key rules

• Model D: Model D is the most common choice and often the only one in smaller municipalities.
• Model A: Model A is scarce, so do not count on finding it near you.
• Check by school: The model is set school by school, so confirm it for each school you consider.

The three models in short

In the Basque Country, model A teaches in Spanish with Basque as a subject, model B mixes both languages, and model D teaches mainly in Basque with Spanish as a subject.

What each model means for your child

• Model A: Most lessons are in Spanish. Basque is one subject among others.
• Model B: Lessons are split between Spanish and Basque, often about half each.
• Model D: Most lessons are in Basque. Spanish is taught as a subject. Many schools also add English as a third teaching language.

A fourth option, model X, has no Basque at all. It is a rare exemption, so do not plan around it.

How easy each one is to find

Availability varies by municipality and by school. Do not assume your town offers all three.

• Model D is by far the most common. In most municipalities it is the only option or the main one.
• Model B is found in a minority of schools. These are mostly public schools in larger towns, plus some concertada schools.
• Model A has become scarce. It survives in a few schools, mainly in parts of Bizkaia and Álava and in some cities. It changes from year to year with demand.

If you live in a small town, expect model D to be the main choice. If you want model A or B, you may need a school in a larger town nearby.

How to check a school

Each school sets its own model. Look up the school's language model in the Basque Government's education department school search. Then confirm with the school itself or the local education inspectorate before you apply.

This applies to the Basque Autonomous Community. Navarre has its own similar models, so check separately if you are moving there.

The questions below cover the most common doubts.

Frequently asked questions

Which model is most common in the Basque Country?

Model D is by far the most common choice in the Basque Country, and in most municipalities it is the only or main option. Many of these schools also add an English component. If you want mostly Spanish teaching, you may have to look in a larger town or another area.

Can I still find a school with model A?

Yes, but model A has become scarce and survives only in a few schools, mainly in parts of Bizkaia and Álava and in some cities. Whether a school offers it changes each year with demand, so ask the school directly before you count on it.

How do I check which model a school offers?

Look up the school in the Basque Government education department's school search, which shows its language model. You can also ask the school or the local education inspectorate, because availability is set school by school.

Is model B easy to find outside big towns?

No, model B is available only in a minority of schools, mostly public ones in larger towns and some concertada schools (privately run, publicly funded). In smaller municipalities it is often missing, so check early.