Education

Child health booklets in France will be updated to include risks of screen time

Report by experts recommends banning screens for children under the age of three

Will my children’s university expenses be liable to French gift tax?

Children may still be 'attached' to their parent's residence for tax purposes whilst at university

Do parents in France risk a fine for picking children up late from school?

Fines can be imposed if a child is frequently absent from school

news

French teacher unions threaten strike action over new budget

Thousands of jobs are set to be axed in sector

French school elections set for October

Parents to elect representatives focused on child safety, school improvement and equal treatment

French towns experiment minimum income for students

The top-up is aimed at pulling students out of poverty

What are parent-pupil ‘reps’ in France, and how can you be one?

Parent-pupil representatives help to defend pupils’ interests and keep parents informed

Letters: Most French teachers did not know about ADHD

Connexion readers tell of the struggles that their neurodiverse children went through to be accepted in France

Rules for medical certificates and sport in France

Rules are different for adults and children and were recently changed

Inscription, fees, rent: the average cost of university in France

Costs have risen across the board, with one federation saying students are now in a precarious position

French mayor introduces fines for parents late to pick up children from school

Parents face fine of up to €30 if they are late multiple times

What changes in schools for the 2024 autumn rentrée in France

Smartphone ban, more assessments, and new skills-based groups among major changes

France to trial 'no mobile phones' in 200 secondary schools

The scheme could be rolled out to all collèges if successful

French teaching unions call for September school strikes

Unions say new assessments are too stressful and are angry over large class sizes

French 2024 Bac exams begin and why philosophy is always first

Philosophy is an obligatory subject in France. See this year’s questions for the exam

French education minister did not lie - ‘reality proved her wrong’

Statement over her son’s schooling echoes the ‘alternative facts’ phrase from the US Trump administration

Talking point: Is France really a meritocracy?

Equality is a pillar of French culture - columnist Nick Inman explores whether the brightest talent can always rise to the top

Explainer: French schools’ international and foreign language sections

12 key points about curriculum, entry requirements and fees for subjects taught in a foreign language

French pupils no longer need passport for school trip to UK

The agreement is set to come into force from December 23, and has been welcomed by a ferry operator

Couple in court for homeschooling son without permission in France

‘We are not separatists, we are not dangerous,’ say the couple, who have been supported by homeschooling associations

France to launch large-scale trial of school uniforms

Experiment will be carried out to see what changes this may bring without any cost to parents, says minister

What help for 2.5 million people in France struggling with illiteracy?

We list some of the main organisations that support adults and children with reading, writing and numeracy

‘Kind, cultured, discreet’: Funeral held for murdered French teacher

Former pupils and colleagues have shared tributes to the murdered 57-year-old, who has been awarded a posthumous Légion d’Honneur

IN IMAGES: How France plans to tackle school bullying

New measures have been announced after the suicide of a boy, 15, in early September

SEE: Number of pupils per class in France, funding and more

We look at key statistics as school restart after the summer break

What’s new for pupils as schools restart in France

Changes to primary and secondary education as well as to the Bac exam have been announced

What is new and what changes in France in September?

From train services to Spain, and pension reforms, to major roadworks, we highlight key changes

Macron wants (some) pupils back at school a week earlier in France

The summer holidays are too long, said the president. Clarification on the criteria for this is expected shortly

France first as ex-jail set to transform into student accommodation

Students should have little problem locking themselves away to study

British teen cannot apply for fast-track French vet course

Teenager from Burgundy tells of frustration at rule which means she must do two extra years’ study to pursue her dream career

Teachers, maths, Bac: What is new for education in France in 2023

We look at teachers' pay and training, compulsory maths in the general baccalauréat and more

France makes condoms free for people aged 18-25

From January 1, 2023, young people will be able to get free condoms from pharmacies. It comes after emergency contraception and STI screening were also made free for women

How to get involved in your child’s education in France

You do not need an in-depth knowledge of the French system to play an active role. We speak to foreign parents who put themselves forward

School uniforms in France? MPs set to propose new law

The ‘sensitive’ issue is expected to be debated in the coming weeks, with the text carefully avoiding the word ‘uniform’ in favour of ‘common outfit’

Transports, schools: What to expect from tomorrow’s strike in France

In addition another larger movement is planned for November 10

Foreign children among those ‘adopted’ by French state

Children who lose a parent in a terror attack in France can receive financial help, regardless of their nationality

French schools must provide sexuality education, says minister

This has been required in France since 2001, adds the new education minister, amid criticism from the far-right

Christmas, Easter: See the dates for France’s school holidays 2022-23

We look at how France’s school holiday zone system works, and when the year’s breaks will be starting and ending

‘Job-dating’ to fix school shortage angers teachers in France

Anyone with three years of higher education were able to put themselves forward for a position. The teaching union has called the events “unacceptable and scandalous”

French schools: mandatory sport at primary and more maths until 18

President Macron’s election pledges for education come into force in the new academic year

VIDEO: French headteacher’s emotion at surprise retirement show

‘I don’t think many teachers get a retirement send-off like this’: Singer Julien Clerc surprised the long-time educator with a song dedicated to school teachers

Back to the classroom: visiting France’s school museums

Take a nostalgic trip around the country and pay a visit to the country’s finest museums dedicated to the history of education

‘Excellent’, ‘a nightmare’: Your thoughts on France’s school system

While for some Connexion readers the system can be ‘inspiring’ to pupils, others criticised its ‘authoritarian’ structure

Tale of two systems: family share French and UK education experience

Siblings Eloïse and Nicolas Fabre studied both in France and the UK, they tell The Connexion in their view the French system lacked empathy and flexibility

Education: do French schools deserve their harsh reputation?

In a system where only God gets top marks we ask an expert if French education really is restrictive or just rigorous

French education recap: Bac exams, school swap deadline, careers help

Bac speciality exams are looming after Covid delay, end of April deadline to move a child to an ‘internat d’excellence’ boarding school and new support for unemployed young people

Does Brexit mean higher university fees for Britons in France?

We explain the situation for students from families living in France who go to study at French or British universities

Family of murdered school teacher Samuel Paty sue French ministries

They accuse French intelligence services and local education authorities of not having done enough to prevent the teacher’s 2020 murder

How does private education and home-schooling work in France?

Both systems are regulated but a stricter law for home-schooling, due in September 2022, has angered some parents

Why are private school fees in France usually cheaper than the UK?

The amount paid in French private school fees depends on whether they are ' sous contrat’ (under contract) with the government

‘Macron plans to end Capes teacher exam and its job-for-life status’

‘Without Capes how could we recruit teachers?’ one union member asked The Connexion . It comes after a minister told the press the president wants to change the system

How can I enrol for adult evening classes in France?

Most French universities and Centres d’Etudes de Langues offer language evening classes. The Cnam is the go-to source to learn new skills in trades and crafts

French school strike: renewed action taking place today

Fewer teachers than last week are expected but the revelation that the education minister announced new school testing rules while on holiday in Ibiza is said to be fuelling mobilisation

Comment: ‘Mother’s guilt’ is alien to the French

‘All is set up here so family life can run smoothly without mum’

Can primary school teachers give written homework?

MY SON is in CP in our local primary school. Every evening he gets hand-writing practice. My understanding is that written homework is banned in France for primary school. Is this true? If so, who could I complain to? NB

What are the risks for families in France taking term-time holidays?

There can be consequences for taking children out of school if you want to set off early on holiday to avoid the rush and peak season

A guide to how to find extra help with schoolwork in France

From primary school up to Lycée level and through lessons in school holidays to schoolwork associations, there are many avenues of help on offer

French education: Alternative schools still lag in France

France is one of the worst countries in Europe for offering alternative forms of education, an expert claims, although that is changing slightly as demand from parents grows

More French primary schools to end mask rule (but it is back for some)

The change will bring the number of departments where masks are not needed for pupils up to 79 with mask requirement returning for schools in Lozère in the south

Dates (and times) of 2022 brevet school exams in France announced

The exams are taken by pupils at the end of Troisième, and test their knowledge and skills in key subject areas

What happens if there is a Covid outbreak at my child's French school?

Approximately 3,000 classes have been closed due to positive cases of the virus since the start of the school year

France top destination among UK pupils for Turing study abroad scheme

The scheme – which is being offered in place of the EU’s Erasmus programme – will send 40,000 British school and university students to 150 different international destinations

Calendar: France school holidays 2021/2022

When is la rentrée scolaire? Which French education authorities are in which school zones? What about la Toussaint? Check our calendar with the important dates to know

French chef serving Michelin quality cuisine to school pupils

Nicolas Lamstaës has created France’s first 100% organic canteen in a combined collège and lycée and hopes more canteens will follow suit

Teacher in France: 'Great to get back to school despite Covid rules'

An English teacher at a French secondary school says she feels prepared for la rentrée next week and the new system of Covid-related rules that will come into effect

Back to school: Guide to Covid rules for parents and pupils in France

We explain the Covid-19 protocol in place for schools this coming academic year, including when classes will close if a pupil tests positive, when masks must be worn and when social distancing rules will be in effect

French universities return to full classes for new academic year

New Covid health protocols for university students, including international students, were revealed this week

Covid rules for return to school in France 'unclear' say unions

Teaching unions say new rules are not safe enough as 12 million pupils prepare to return to class on September 2

Back to school financial grant is on the way to 3 million French homes

The amount depends on household income, number of children at school, and their age; and is intended to help with the rising cost of ‘la rentrée’

French town turns old Covid face masks into rulers for schools

The mayor who is a teacher is fronting an initiative to collect discarded surgical-style masks and make stationery for local children, which is both recycled and recyclable

‘Starting my British kids at a French school was hard but worth it’

Veryan Young tells The Connexion about the challenges and advantages of raising kids bilingually in France

France ranks best in world for Master's degrees in finance

French programmes have dominated the list for the past five years, scoring top marks for graduates securing high salaries and international job opportunities

New laws and changes in France: May 2021

EU tyres will now show ice and snow information, gas prices will rise, newly-qualified teachers will receive an extra bonus and pay for unemployed people in training is increased

Covid saliva testing in French schools: Parents’ FAQs

A massive Covid-19 screening programme is being rolled out as pupils head back to school after the winter holidays. We explain how it will work for parents in France

Criticism as France eases school Covid rules

The rules were reinforced at the beginning of February, but have been relaxed just a fortnight later, with thousands of children on holiday