World · Europe · 20 hrs ago
Students protest poor conditions at schools in France
Students in France are protesting poor conditions at their schools, with occupations reported at about one-third of the country’s secondary schools.
In Marseille, history and geography teacher Samuel Tracol says his school building is run-down, classrooms are cramped and students face very hot rooms in summer.
Many of his students come from low-income neighbourhoods and spend long periods on crowded buses getting to school.
Tracol says students nearing the end of school worry about Parcoursup, the platform used to compete for university places.
He says the selection process is unclear to many students, and that some believe their school background will block them from reaching elite universities.
The protests reflect students’ frustration with their schools and with the limited prospects they see ahead.
Students are demonstrating in Marseille and elsewhere in France against poor conditions in schools.
A Marseille history teacher described rundown buildings, small classrooms and inadequate facilities.
The teacher said one third of secondary schools across France had been occupied and police had arrested 6,500 students.
Students also face anxiety about access to university places, which the teacher said can depend on the school they attended.
- Who
- Students in Marseille and elsewhere in France are protesting.
- What
- They are demonstrating against poor conditions at schools, including rundown buildings and overcrowded classrooms.
- When
- The protests were reported on October 11, 2026. Hundreds of students demonstrated in Marseille on October 8.
- Where
- Marseille and other places across France.
- Why
- Students are protesting poor school conditions. The article also describes concerns about unequal access to university places.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
In every class, students come to lessons in tears
A third of secondary schools across France have been occupied. The police have already arrested 6,500 students, and they are still taking to the streets.
Hundreds of students gathered in Marseille and marched towards the mayor’s office.
NZZ reported demonstrations and school occupations in Marseille and other parts of France.
- Schools occupied
- One third of secondary schools across France, according to Samuel Tracol
- Students arrested
- 6,500, according to Samuel Tracol
- Demonstration
- Hundreds of students gathered in Marseille on October 8
- School size
- Lycée Marie Curie has about 1,600 students
- Class sizes
- About 25 to 30 students at Tracol’s school; often 40 at other schools, he said
Sources
Related news
Trump says Russia and Ukraine agreed to energy ceasefire
Carney says U.S.-Russia diesel deal undermines efforts to end Ukraine war
Russian strikes hit Ukrainian energy sites after Trump ceasefire claim
Two people killed and two injured in crash near Kesteren
Russian strike near Kharkiv kills three and injures 25
Experts say Russian diesel deal unlikely to lower US fuel prices
Zelensky says Ukraine can hold elections after a 60-day ceasefire
Trump announces energy ceasefire, but Ukraine says it was not consulted
US reportedly threatens Ukraine weapons procurement over strikes on Russian energy sites
Trump calls for Ukraine to replace Zelenskyy over Russian diesel deal
UK prime minister says Russia interfered in 2016 Brexit vote
