Why French Students Are Blocking Their Schools

There have been protests at dozens of high schools in France over poor school conditions, teacher shortages and the lack of access to higher education. From an initial movement to win better school conditions, these demonstrations have now become an international movement with teachers, parents, university students and trade unions.

The protests started in September at Antoine de Saint-Exupéry High School in Créteil, a suburb of Paris, where teachers went on strike over staff shortages. Students and parents joined them in blocking the school entrance. Videos of the protest spread on social media, sparking students from other schools to join the action.

Since then, the movement has spread to Paris, Rennes, Toulouse, Lyon, Marseille and Lille. Students have put bins, bicycles and other objects in front of school entrances to block classes; many carry banners demanding better education and more government investment.

Among the main reasons for the protests is the shortage of teachers. Students say many schools do not have enough teachers to hold classes regularly, and even when they are not present, they are not replaced. In some cases, students say they have been taught certain subjects for several months, making it difficult to finish classwork and prepare for tests.

Another factor cited by students was the overcrowding of the classrooms. Most complained that over 30 students in each class made it difficult to pay attention to individual children. They are demanding smaller class sizes, better timetables, and more support staff such as nurses, social workers and education assistants.

A third reason has been the condition of school buildings. Many of the students say that they don’t like their classes or facilities. Some have complained about leaking classrooms and bathrooms, poor sanitation and a lack of furniture in school. Classrooms at certain schools are so hot that it is uncomfortable to sit in them because there is not enough cooling or insulation in the building.

Another issue is the French university admissions system Parcoursup. Parcoursup is an online application tool students use to apply for higher education, but many people criticise it for being too complex and untransparent. They want the government to improve the system and create more places at universities.

Educ.net students are also concerned about the education budget. They believe schools need more public spending to improve their buildings, hire teachers and improve facilities. They want more funding and relief from the pressure of long timetables and heavy workloads.

The government has responded by sending out additional substitute teachers and reviewing the university admission process. Student leaders argue that this is insufficient to resolve the problems. They say protests are still one of the few ways to force authorities to act.

Those on the street, protesting against poverty and low wages, housing rents and overpriced services, have joined the demonstration. Trade unions and other groups have joined students in the protest, giving a sense that what started as a school drive has now turned into a larger protest. And the Yellow Vests, protesting fuel prices and living costs, have also joined the protest.

A show of greater numbers took place on November 5, when the Unions across France called for a nationwide general strike, with protesters taking to the streets in schools, the health sector and on buses. According to the Interior Ministry, between 575,000 and 480 people participated in more than 200 demonstrations. Most marches were peaceful, but police clashed with protesters in Paris, Lyon, Nantes and Rennes.

The blockade of schools has raised concerns about the impact of education disruption. Education minister Édouard Geffray warned that missed lessons could risk the academic year, particularly for students who are preparing for their exams. School leaders and teachers warned that coursework, exams and university applications could be affected.

The government has scoffed at the blocking and called on students to go back to their classrooms. Schools have also been criticised for violence and damage caused by students’ protests. Students insist their protests are peaceful, but some protests involve burning bins and clashes with police. Student unions have accused the authorities of deploying too much force, while the government said it was necessary to maintain public order.

It has proved difficult to find a solution. Students want their education concerns addressed, while the government says disruption puts their future at risk. Premier Sébastien Lecornu has pledged to meet with student representatives. The government has also outlined plans for talks with employers and trade unions on wages and purchasing power.

For French students, the protests are more than just blocking school entrances. They demand classrooms with enough teachers, safe buildings and better access to higher education. Their actions have brought national attention to problems that they say have remained unresolved for years. Whether the protests bring lasting change will depend on how seriously the government takes the issue.

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