Catalan C2 requirement for new teachers will be mandatory from the next academic year, marking a significant shift in language policy for Barcelona’s classrooms.
The change, which has been the subject of legal challenges, will specifically affect interim teachers entering the public education system’s recruitment pool.
Catalan C2 Requirement Enters Force After Legal Battle
According to reports from Ara Cat, the Catalan government now has a new tool to ensure a higher standard of Catalan proficiency among educators.
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Consequently, from the 2025-2026 academic year, possessing a C2 level certificate in Catalan will be a prerequisite for teachers wishing to join the interim recruitment pool. This rule stems from a 2024 linguistic regime decree, which had been partially suspended by the High Court of Justice of Catalonia (TSJC) following a legal challenge.
The suspension was recently lifted for this specific article, allowing the measure to take effect. Sources from the Department of Education have confirmed the implementation, clarifying its exact implications. Therefore, all new interim teachers must now meet this advanced language standard. This Catalan C2 requirement, however, does not apply to teachers entering through competitive examinations, as those processes were announced before the suspension was lifted.
Furthermore, the measure does not affect teachers already in active service. According to 2024 data, only one-third of Catalonia’s teaching staff currently hold a certified C2 level in Catalan. The policy represents a clear effort to bolster the language’s presence in education, a topic that often generates significant debate about regional identity and integration. Meanwhile, other aspects of the decree remain under judicial review, highlighting the complex legal landscape surrounding language policy.
Future Implications and Broader Context
Looking ahead, the decree also contains provisions that could extend the Catalan C2 requirement further. From the 2027-2028 academic year, the same advanced level could become mandatory for teachers seeking promotion or wishing to change their workplace, including those aspiring to become headteachers or inspectors. The department has stated it will apply the decree and has commissioned an impact study on the measure.
This development occurs within a broader context of local policy shifts. For instance, the city has recently undertaken other significant initiatives, such as renaming streets to honour women activists, reflecting a focus on cultural and social recognition. Additionally, educational access and community engagement remain key themes, as seen when a long-standing Carmel residents’ association closed after 53 years, marking the end of an era for local advocacy.
The introduction of the Catalan C2 requirement is a decisive step with practical consequences for the teaching workforce. It aims to standardise high-level language skills among new educators entering the system. The policy’s full impact will become clearer as the next recruitment cycle begins and the department’s study is completed.
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