France: School students protest over education funding; 2.66 lakh join nationwide rallies

More than 2.5 lakh people took part in protests across France on October 6 over education funding, with nearly 500 people detained, according to a report published by The Telegraph. The demonstrations were held in support of high school students and their demands for better funding and improved school conditions.

The Telegraph reported that police used tear gas during some demonstrations as the protests spread across several French cities, including Paris, Marseille and Strasbourg. The protests began with high school students blocking schools in the Paris region in September and later expanded to other parts of the country.

The mobilisation has focused on concerns around education funding and school conditions, according to the report.

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Government opens student consultation

Amid the mobilisation, France’s Education Ministry has opened a national consultation for high school students. The consultation began on October 5 and will remain open until October 23, 2026.

The consultation is open to all high school students in France, regardless of their school or location. Students can anonymously share the main difficulties they face and suggest changes that could improve their learning and school experience, the ministry said.

Education Minister said, “It is essential for us to hear all high school students and to take into account the diversity of their experiences of schooling.”

He said the consultation would help the government understand students' daily experiences, listen to their proposals and develop concrete responses, according to the Education Ministry.

Schools to hold dialogue sessions

The Education Ministry has also introduced a “high school student time” from October 7. Under the initiative, every high schools will dedicate half a school day to dialogue, allowing students to discuss their difficulties and expectations. Other classes will continue as scheduled.

The ministry said the initiative is intended to provide students with a direct opportunity to raise concerns and discuss possible solutions.

The French government has identified five areas of work in response to concerns raised by students and education staff. These include ensuring that classes are provided, improving school buildings, organising school days, making the Parcoursup higher education admissions system more transparent and ensuring better follow-up of students' concerns.

The government has asked for initial decisions on these areas, including their funding and timelines, to be presented before the end of October.

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France education budget 2027

The Education Ministry said the government’s 2027 budget proposal includes an additional 1.2 billion euros for national education.

The ministry said the additional funding and the measures under consideration are part of the government’s response to concerns raised around education. The student consultation responses are expected to be compiled and presented nationally by the end of October.