It’s the Rentrée! The education system in France

In France, after an 8 week summer break, it’s time for students to load up their school bags and return to school.  The long summer holidays are a great time for children to relax, take a holiday and soak up the sunshine, but back to school is the opportunity to reunite with friends and start a new school year refreshed and ready to go!

The school system in France is divided into maternelle (from 3-5 years old), primaire (5-11 years old), college (11 to 15 years old) and lycée (15-18 years old).  Collegians are tested with the Brevet at the end of their four years of study.  This allows them to see which lycée they will be accepted into, and they have a choice of a general lycée or lycée pro, where they can specialise ready for a certain profession.  Lycéens will take their Bac after three years of study, and they are tested in the core subjects and the options they have chosen.

The French education system has consistently been ranked as one of the best in the world by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Literacy levels in France are over 99% and the education system emphasises critical thinking, creativity and academic rigour.  France also has some of the top ranked universities in the world, according to the QS World University Rankings 2022, with 35 French universities listed among the top 1000 globally.

I have three children in the education system in France, all at different stages.  One in primaire, who is already perfectly bi-lingual with a perfect accent to boot!  My middle child is coming up to her Brevet, and the eldest to her Bac.  June will certainly be an interesting month in our house!

For us, we have found the French education system has allowed our children to be independent but supported, creative and confident.  We have been provided with low cost before and after school childcare, and with after school activities ranging from handball to dance.  For a minimal cost, children can also join the school sports activities on a Wednesday afternoon and experience anything from ping pong to canoeing.  School trips have also included ski-ing, trips to Paris and nautical activities at the coast.

If you’re thinking of moving to France and buying a property here, rest assured your children will be part of an excellent school system with great cuisine guaranteed!

Contact us if you’re thinking of buying a property in France and would like to talk to a local agent who has experience of living in the area. You can browse our properties for sale here.