Hundreds of French schools shut as mass protests persist

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Hundreds of French high schools experienced closures and disruptions as student protests over overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, and poor facilities entered their second week, spreading to more than 400 schools nationwide. The government responded by promising to address staffing and infrastructure issues while proposing legislation to hold families financially responsible for property damage, amid ongoing tensions and plans for further demonstrations.

Hundreds of high schools across France faced closures or disruptions on Monday as student protests entered their second week, spotlighting longstanding concerns over overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, and deteriorating school facilities. The demonstrations, which began in late September at a high school in the Paris suburb of Creteil in support of striking teachers, have since spread nationwide, affecting more than 400 schools out of approximately 3,700 lycées.

Students have voiced grievances about insufficient staffing, overloaded timetables, poorly maintained buildings, and classrooms ill-suited to rising temperatures. Amid the unrest, many schools experienced blockades of their entrances, with some students continuing to attend classes while others participated in protests. Demonstrations took place in cities including Paris, Rennes, Bordeaux, Lille, and Marseille.

The protests have occasionally escalated into clashes with police. Security forces in several locations employed tear gas to disperse crowds after incidents involving property damage, such as firebombed school entrances and destroyed bus shelters. Authorities reported that at least 24 schools had been burned or ransacked during the protests, with dozens of injuries among education staff and students. In the northern town of Lens, a 15-year-old student sustained the loss of a hand after reportedly handling a police stun grenade; the incident is under investigation.

Since the demonstrations began, roughly 5,000 individuals, the majority minors, have been arrested nationwide. Some protesters and human rights groups have criticized law enforcement for excessive force, prompting internal probes into alleged incidents of police brutality. Government officials have attributed some of the violence and unrest to the influence of far-left groups, an allegation rejected by these parties.

The protests are unfolding amid broader social tensions in France, with the presidential election scheduled for next year and far-right candidate Marine Le Pen gaining momentum. Student unions have called for a nationwide day of demonstrations on Tuesday, with certain labor unions, including the CGT, indicating plans to participate and emphasize protection for high school students.

In response, the government has announced measures aimed at addressing the underlying issues. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu laid out a schedule for local authorities to prioritize filling teaching vacancies and improving school infrastructure. A meeting with regional officials is planned to discuss renovating aged school buildings. Meanwhile, the government is advancing legislation that would hold individuals responsible for damaging public property financially accountable, potentially deducting costs from family allowances and housing benefits—a move defended by government spokespeople as addressing parental responsibility.

Amid efforts to restore order, Paris police chief Patrice Faure urged students to end blockades and pursue peaceful demonstrations. However, security concerns remain high, with authorities wary of potential escalations from far-left and anarchist elements in upcoming protests. The situation reflects deep-rooted challenges in France’s education system, which continue to fuel student unrest.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.