Nathalie Berthy, the French consul in Madrid, recently visited the IES Sefarad Secondary School in Toledo to gain insight into the French educational programmes offered at the institution. The school is known for its commitment to promoting French culture and language through various activities.
During her visit, Berthy was accompanied by José Gutiérrez, the provincial delegate for Education, Culture and Sports, who expressed gratitude for the consul's presence. He highlighted the significance of the Bachibac programme in Toledo, which reflects the regional government's dedication to providing high-quality, bilingual public education that opens academic doors for students across Europe.
Gutiérrez commended the school’s leadership and the students participating in the Bachibac programme, noting that with 45 students enrolled for the 2026-2027 academic year (25 in the first year and 20 in the second year), IES Sefarad has the highest number of Bachibac students in Castilla-La Mancha.
During her visit, Berthy engaged with the first-year Bachibac students, who presented the programme's workings and discussed their experiences in Spain and future collaborative projects between France and the school. The consul also shared insights about the role of the French consulate in Spain and the importance of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The Bachibac programme has been implemented at IES Sefarad since the 2014-2015 academic year, allowing students to earn the French Baccalauréat diploma upon passing the External Exam, thus facilitating their university studies in France.
IES Sefarad is distinguished by its strong emphasis on French studies, complemented by numerous activities promoting French culture and civilization. The school also participates in various student exchanges with French institutions throughout the academic year.
Additionally, IES Sefarad holds the Label FrancÉducation certification from France Education International, recognising its high-quality French language education. This certification provides access to resources and activities aimed at enhancing French language skills, including linguistic training for teachers and participation in cultural and sporting events organised by the French Embassy's educational cooperation service.
As a Bachibac institution, IES Sefarad benefits annually from a French language assistant provided by the Ministry of Education, and the regional Education Department collaborates with the Créteil Academy to assign a French teacher, known as the “Jules Verne Teacher,” who specialises in history.
