Hundreds of High Schools in France Close Amid Protests
Usagevpn.com – Hundreds of high schools in France closed or faced disruption on Friday as students protested what they describe as overcrowded timetables, poor facilities and repeated teacher absences. Education Minister Edouard Geffray said nearly 400 of the country’s 3,700 high schools were expected to shut.
The demonstrations began in the Paris region the previous week and then spread across the country. Many participants are students in the final years of lycée, France’s upper-secondary schools, where some blocked entrances and clashed with police deployed around campuses.
Remote lessons and disrupted school days
As hundreds of high schools in France were affected, some schools attempted to continue teaching online. In Marseille, several high schools planned remote classes while access to their buildings was disrupted.
Students say the protests reflect daily problems in their schools, including long days, overheated classrooms, difficult learning conditions and missing teachers. The government has said pupils’ concerns are legitimate, while condemning violence connected with some gatherings.
Fires, injuries and claims of excessive force
Tensions rose in Paris when fires damaged the entrances of two high schools: Léonard de Vinci in the south of the capital and Gaston-Bachelard in the southeast. Firefighters were called to extinguish the blazes.
Students have accused police of using disproportionate force, saying tear-gas canisters used to disperse crowds caused injuries. Authorities have described some incidents as urban violence and said intervention was needed to protect people and prevent further damage.
Geffray said at least 65 staff members had been injured since the movement began, including 40 high school principals. He also said around 170 students had been hurt and that more than 100 high schools had suffered severe damage.
“The high school student movement is being held hostage by ultra-violent fringe groups,” Geffray said.
The education minister urged parents to discourage children from joining demonstrations, arguing that young people were at risk during confrontations in the streets.
“What matters now is ensuring our children are no longer out on the streets, because they are in danger,” he said.
Protests reported from Rennes to Brest
In Rennes, students gathered outside Jean-Macé high school amid a substantial police presence. A 16-year-old student named Lola, who did not provide her surname, said protesters regarded the school’s closure as a success and accused police actions of increasing their anger.
In Brest, police used tear gas outside Kerichen high school as unrest continued. The events show the growing divide between students who say policing is escalating the situation and authorities who say action is necessary to maintain safety around schools.
Parents could face costs for damage
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said prosecutors had been asked to pursue parents over damage caused by their children, including seeking repair costs. He said about 2,000 people had been taken into police custody since the protests began, with minors accounting for 90% of those detained.
The response places parental responsibility at the centre of the government’s approach as hundreds of high schools in France continue to experience disruption.
FAQ: What families should know in France
Are all French high schools closed?
No. Nearly 400 high schools were expected to close on Friday, while France has about 3,700 high schools in total. Local conditions may differ, so families should check directly with their school for confirmation.
Can students still attend lessons during a closure?
Some schools have arranged remote lessons to reduce disruption. Students and parents should look for instructions from their lycée on online classes, timetable changes and access to learning materials.
Why are students protesting?
Protesters have raised concerns about long school days, classroom conditions, teacher absences and wider learning conditions. The government has acknowledged the substance of some complaints while condemning violence and property damage.
