Up to 500 high schools across France are expected to remain fully or partially closed as student protests over poor learning conditions escalate into clashes and violence.
The nationwide demonstrations, which began in the Paris region, have spread to several major cities as students demand more teachers, better facilities and increased resources for schools. The Education Ministry said 735 schools have been affected by the protests, while 24 have been burned or ransacked.
Students have cited overcrowded classrooms, shortages of teachers and support staff, long school hours and deteriorating school buildings among their major concerns. Reports from some schools have also highlighted leaks, cockroach infestations and other poor sanitary conditions.
The protests have affected cities including Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Lille, with students blocking school entrances and organising demonstrations. According to the Education Ministry, more than 1,000 high schools were affected by strikes or protests on October 1.
While many demonstrations have remained peaceful, some have descended into violence, with protesters setting fire to rubbish bins and barricades and throwing projectiles at police. Fire also damaged entrances to two high schools in Paris.
The Interior Ministry said nearly 5,000 people had been arrested since the unrest began, while the Education Ministry reported that 78 education workers had been injured. Several police officers and students have also sustained injuries during confrontations.
However, the protests come amid wider opposition to the French government’s budget plans, with public-sector unions also mobilising over proposed spending measures.
Teachers’ unions have announced their support for the students’ demands and are expected to join another nationwide mobilisation on Tuesday, 6th October, 2026.
