Chefs prepare dishes such as quiche, soufflés, mousse, pâté, croissants, crêpes, and French bread. The school day in France starts at 8.30 and finishes at 4.30 with a long lunch break. The standard of education is usually high, the class sizes small and the facilities are excellent. Class sizes, however, can be large, with one teacher for 30 students or more. Some follow British or American curriculums and offer English or American educational qualifications such as GCSEs and the American High School Diploma, although students at international schools may sit the International Baccalauréat. Tuition in private institutions, and particularly in private business schools, is substantially higher than in public institutions, ranging from €3,000 to €10,000 per year. In Metropolitan France, the school year runs from early September to early July. There are a total of seven years secondary schooling, which is divided between four years at collège, followed by up to three years at lycée. 10. This is called Allocation de Rentrée Scolaire and you can apply for it at your local CAF (Caisses d’Allocation Familiales), 12. State-contracted private schools follow the French national curriculum and adhere to the same rules as state schools. English instructors are normally required to have a Bachelor’s degree and at least a year of relevant education experience, and hold TEFL or CELTA certification. Some schools also have classes on Wednesday mornings, others on Saturday mornings. 1. The country has 28 regions (academies) that set the curriculum and examinations to a national standard. There are also other schools that teach solely in English. School pupils don’t wear a school uniform. There are bilingual schools with section bilingue or classes bilingues. Unlike UK Masters, which are delivered over 12 months without a break, postgraduate programmes in France break down into individual academic years, separated by holidays. Recipe: Festive Chestnut Velouté with Porcini, 7 France-themed books to buy for Francophiles this Christmas, Why Tarn-et-Garonne makes for a perfect family escape. While France has close to a hundred universities, most of them able to hold their own as regards teaching and research with universities in other parts of Europe, the peak of the education pinnacle in France is represented by the country's "Grandes Ecoles", relatively small and highly selective "schools" (in the American sense of the word) which provide a cosseted higher education to the nation's future … In addition to the criteria you would normally apply to choosing your child’s school in your home country, you might want to find out: Have a cookie Non-residents may have to pay tuition fees as the schools are financed through tax. In an international school, students may find it easier to continue within an education system they are familiar with, taught in a language they understand. French state schools generally teach only in French and test regularly. There are more than 3,500 public and private institutes of higher education in France: 72 universities, 25 multi-institute campuses, 271 Doctoral schools, 227 engineering schools authorised to award the title of engineer, 220 business and management schools, 45 post-secondary public schools of art, 22 schools of architecture and 3,000 private schools and institutes. If it’s a private school, what do the fees include or not include. If you are also planning to return home or move abroad again, it may be beneficial to continue in the school program offered in your home country or an internationally recognized program. International schools also offer different national sections with lessons taught in the language, literature and history of the particular country while teaching other lessons in French – as well as intensive French lessons for non-French speakers. You will have to enrol your child in a French school – take their birth certificate, medical records, your passport and proof of address to your mairie, 7. However, in recent years some bemoan a perceived slip in French education, and according to the latest OECD/PISA world rankings (2012), France dropped three places for educational standards for 15 year olds. Often students must reach a specific standard of education. All schools have classes on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Language support within the school is not always provided. The school year starts in early September and ends in early July. Parents must take out insurance for their children, called assurance scolaire, for school trips, sport and extra-curricular activities. To apply, contact the school for enrolment requirements and procedures. You need to register by June of the year you want your child to start primary school (or earlier if you want to go to a school out of the local area), and by the end of the spring term for collège. In France, education is compulsory between the ages of 6 and 16. The lessons, tests and exams are in French, and students work towards the French qualification, the baccalauréat. PUBLISHED: 14:31 11 April 2017 | UPDATED: 15:11 01 September 2017, 12 things you should know about French schools © artisteer / ThinkstockPhotos. There may be other charges on top, such as registration fees and lunches. These schools are sous contrat d’association schools. Nursery school is called maternelle and children start at the age of 3, 2. The school week and the hours in the school day vary from region to region. The primary education is called enseignement primaire. What examinations are set? So high school here is three years, seconde (15–16), premiere (16–17), and then terminale (17–18). French cooking is thought to be the best in the world. Check the withdrawal conditions too – you usually have to give a term’s notice if your child leaves the school before the end of the year. Online Teaching Abroad; Online TEFL Courses; Online Language Schools; Online Jobs; ... France is roughly the size of Texas and one of the richest, most culturally diverse countries in the world. The school calendar is standardised throughout the country and is the sole domain of the ministry. If lessons are in French, what language and other support is available? However, these schools often offer intensive tuition for non-French speaking students. State-contracted private schools in France. Middle school is called collège and children attend from the age of 11 to 15. The higher education in France is termed enseignement supérieur. They have smaller class sizes, provide more individual attention and have better facilities than state schools. These schools are sous contrat d’association schools. (Are You Hungry?) Avez-vous faim? Some schools close on Wednesday afternoons which is when children participate in extra-curricular activities, 10 differences between French and British schools, Grand-Est (formerly Alsace, Champagne-Ardenne and Lorraine), Hauts-de-France (formerly Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardy), Nouvelle Aquitaine (formerly Aquitaine, Limousin, and Poitou-Charentes), Occitanie (formerly Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées). The French schooling system is also quite rigorous, particularly final exams. You can find out about state schools though the schools’ information service (service des écoles) at your local mairie or you can write to the Inspecteur d’Académie of the département where you will be living. To work in a public or private school in France, teachers must hold a Bachelor’s degree in their subject of specialization, as well as hold an education certification, preferably a Master’s. These vary according to the school but apply as far in advance as possible. What does the curriculum include? This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. Kirsty Murray taught English for a year at a collège (the French equivalent of a secondary school) in Villers-Cotterêts, a town in the north of France known for being the birthplace of Alexandre Dumas. In primary schools, French kids spend more hours a year (almost 900, like Italy and the Netherlands) than other European countries (less than 700 for Austria, Germany and Finland) : in France, less days of school (vacations are a national value) and more hours per day. Do I need a separate French will to cover my property in France and how do I go about it? School year. You can choose whether to go to a French state school, a state-contracted private school or a fully independent school in France, which includes most international and foreign schools. Social skills are pushed as well. In Paris, non-French-speaking children may go to a school that has language integration support. The academic year in France runs for nine months from September or October to May or June. Le diplôme national du brevet (simply referred to as le brevet) is the first diploma students are required to complete at the end of collège. France is known for its fine food. Students attending a France university are exposed to the amazing French culture in their daily student life. The average rates for tuition vary from about 150 EUR per term to 900 EUR per term. Ask to look at a typical timetable to see the academic/non-academic ratio. Lyon, for example, is in zone A, Marseille is in zone B and Paris … The three levels of school attended in France are called maternelle (lasts 2-3 years, children aged 2 or 3 to 6 years old); ecole primaire (lasts 5 years, primary school, for ages 6-11) and collège (lasts 4 years, ages 11-15). However, children in France are only obligated to attend primary school, middle school, and secondary/high school. The paper they must take is no SAT-like multiple-choice exercise: the students are required to write well-structured, clearly argued essays that refer to the ideas of past thinkers to … State-contracted private schools follow the French national curriculum and adhere to the same rules as … In France, students have to know very early on what career they would like to pursue, and specialize in the relevant field of study from their first year in university. What languages are obligatory or optional? It is compulsory for all children resident in France to attend school between the ages of six and 16. About 15 percent of French children attend private schools (écoles privées or écoles libres) throughout France. Are they internationally recognised? For information on homeschooling in France, see Expatica’s guide to the school system in France. ... and the direction they would like their curriculum to take (although they must … Secondary school is called lycée where students from the age of 15 spend 3 years studying for their baccalauréat – the equivalent of A levels in the UK. Many students from the USA to attend college in France. French education tends to value academic and rote learning over creativity and self-development, and some parents may feel the French education philosophy doesn’t allow for self expression or puts pressure on the child. It is divded into two cycles: the basic learning cycle (two years) and the consolidation cycle (three years). It was formed in April 2010 by five prominent French institutions: the École Normale Supérieure, the Collège de France, the Paris Observatory, Chimie ParisTech and … They usually teach in English and French but may also teach in German or Spanish depending on demand. The advantage is that you can continue to teach your child in your own language and work at your child’s own pace, and there are support organizations, such as Les enfants d’abord to help you. While insurance is not required to attend class, some schools may ask that you carry an insurance policy, assurance scolaire, for your child to participate in any activities outside the classroom. 3. Paris Sciences et Lettres – PSL Research University Paris. This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. 18% of all students in France attend private institutions. However, it may mean that your child takes longer to learn French and become integrated into French society. Not all of France is strictly secular, indeed in one region religion is taught in the local schools. Note that this is the first major difference between French and English-language school names: The French count school years in descending order (11,10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, and a final year called terminale). Why don’t you check the following post below for details about the educational system in France? The next stage - CM1/CM2 (cours moyen 1 and 2) takes the children up to the end of primary school. The exam at the end of the terminale, which determines your future, is called the baccalaureate. Even in cities like Bordeaux, Lyon or Toulouse you can get by with 850 to 1,000 euros per month, including accommodation. Moving Teenagers to a French School – Beth’s Story Since the Middle Ages, and the birth of La Sorbonne, the first French University, which occurred more than 800 years ago, students from all across Europe have come to France to study, especially in the areas of theology, medicine and law. They do have to be registered with the Ministry of Education, however. If you want your child to go to a school outside of your area, you’ll need to have a good reason and get permission from your local mairie (town hall) and the rectorat (schools inspectorate). Until 2008, the school week was Monday to Saturday morning, with Wednesday free. High School Abroad; Language Schools; Tours & Trips; Online Programs. The focus in French education is on academic work and subjects like arts, crafts and sports mostly take place outside of school. This costs between €10 and €35 and covers any damage your child might do to school property and loss of belongings. You can also contact ELSA, the Paris-based English Language School Association for international and bilingual schools in France. Student life in France doesn’t have to be expensive. The school week runs from Monday to Friday, unlike the state sector where there can be lessons on Saturdays for older children (although Saturday classes are becoming less common), or half days on Wednesdays. Papo the parrot flies into a primary school in France and spends the day with the pupils. While studying, students can look forward to a wonderfully interactive environment that brings students together from across the globe. Tuition fees are nominal and can be as low as €300 per year. La grande section de maternelle ou GS (5 ans) = Kindergarden (Year 1 UK) You have to provide all stationery and equipment, except textbooks, for your child but you can apply for and income-dependant grant to pay for these. In France, the school day is long and children spend much of their time sitting behind a desk. The average tuition costs for attending a college in France will vary according to the school that you wish to attend, the courses that you are taking, whether you are a resident of the EU or a foreign student and other information. They do, however, have a day off from school mid-week, providing an opportunity to practise sport or take on other hobbies. 4. Again this amount varies and is based on a number of factors. The big advantage of enrolling your children into a local French school is that they will become fluent in French much faster than they would at an international school. You must provide past school reports and exam results. Metropolitan French school holidays are scheduled by the Ministry of Education by dividing the country into three zones (A, B, and C) to prevent overcrowding by family holidaymakers of tourist destinations, such as the Mediterranean coast and ski resorts. The French education system long enjoyed a reputation for having one of the best education systems in the world, with a nationally set curriculum, traditional methods of learning, high academic standards and strict discipline. But people are not just coming from Europe any longer. First, you will need to get a certificate d’inscription from the local mairie (or rectorat service for secondary schools). Pupils are admitted to collège from primary school at the age of 11 years. Additionally, more extracurricular activities may be on offer at an international school, as French schools tend not to cover creative activities and sports, although such activities are also provided by community associations. Primary and middle schools have catchment areas and you’ll be assigned to a school based on where you live. If you are planning a long stay in France, becoming fluent in the local language and accustomed to French culture will be beneficial when your child graduates. If you can, visit the school and meet the director (head). Most international and bilingual schools come into this category and fees can be expensive. There is a wide range of options for foreign students. Primary school is called école primaire and children start in September of the year they turn 6 – so children born in 2010 all start primary school in September 2016. International schools are found all over France, usually in large cities and areas where there is a sizable expat population. Your child must keep up with lessons and maintain at least a 50% mark average in a language they’re unfamiliar with. There are four stages of education: école maternelle (daycare and kindergarten), écoleprimaire (primary school, also known as an elementary school in some countries), collège (middle school), and lycée (secondary school). Your choices will not impact your visit. There are two types of private school in France: contracted (sous contrat) or non-contracted (hors contrat) to the French government. Check the website of the institution to learn the amount of tuition charged for programmes of interest to you. France has 60,000 primary schools catering to pupils during their first five years of formal education: the first three years (CP - cours préparatoire - and CEl/CE2 - cours élementaire 1 and 2) provide a grounding in the basic skills. School in France During the elementary years, French students learn the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic. 8. These schools mostly cater for pupils who are primarily French speakers, although some teach in both French and English. International schools are available to the international community, although French pupils can also attend. With cheap flights and an expansive train system, students based in France may feel compelled to travel to as many … Some offer summer language immersion classes. Fees vary depending on the school but as an example, 2015/16 basic annual tuition fees for pupils taking A Levels at an international school in Bordeaux are €15,400. Which cookies and scripts are used and how they impact your visit is specified on the left. Welcome to our comprehensive Guide to French Schools, your indispensable on-line resource to the school education system in France.. Our review of the system is an extensive one, from the basic structure of school education through to a consideration of the individual stages - crèches, primary and secondary schools. However, if you are not planning on living in France long-term, or you have children who have already started their secondary education back home, it may be better to choose an international school for continuity and language issues, instead of a bilingual school. Schooling in Paris is an official requirement from age six but many parents send their children to school much earlier. univ-tlse2.fr You can of course change your mind and withdraw your consent at any time, by returning to this site after clearing the cookies on your computer or device. Contact the service des écoles at your local mairie or arrondissement. In France, most schools are given the name of an illustrious personality. Many people in France like to drink their hot chocolate from bowls and dip their bread into it. Schools are strictly secular (expect faith schools) so there won’t be any nativity plays, 11. Paris Sciences et Lettres – PSL Research University Paris is made up of 25 higher education institutions and research centres in the Paris area. Expatica uses technology such as cookies and scripts to personalize content and ads, provide social media features, and analyze our traffic. Some international schools offer boarding (useful if your job takes you abroad) but most are day schools. However, taking part in extracurricular activities in your local area can help with the language. The younger the child, the easier it tends to be. It will be followed by the secondary education called enseignement secondaire. To apply, contact the school for enrolment requirements and procedures. Click below to consent to the use of this technology on our website – and don’t worry, we respect your privacy. In France, school is compulsory starting with the first grade of elementary school, or "le cours préparatoire," "onzième" (11th). You may change your settings at any time. That costs another 60 euros. However, older children may find it harder. The primary school curriculum in France is similar to that in other countries, and includes literacy and numeracy, with classes in French, arithmetic, but also geography and history, the arts, and more and more frequently a foreign language, usually English. Guide to French School Education. Top 5 universities in France 1. International schools can cover age ranges from nursery up to the last year of high school. 5. They are often Catholic and – unlike state schools – can teach religious studies. Some private schools are independently funded and are not under government control. If your child is arriving from outside France and is entering collège or lycée, you will need to contact the educational district’s administrative head, the rectorat. This might be a little long, the French school system is a little complicated. Most private schools receive funding from the government. These private schools are free to set their own curriculum and they often offer a wider choice of academic subjects, as well as classes in art, culture, and sport (which state schools do not). The decision is made by the local authorities on a proposal … Pupils get a long lunch break and either eat at the school canteen which offers freshly cooked healthy meals or go home for lunch – no packed lunches in France! French education is divided into primary level (école), elementary or middle school (collège) and high school (lycée). The student population at international schools can be transient as families often move on, which can be hard on friendships. But in France, the land of Pascal, Voltaire and Descartes, philosophy is an integral part of the national school curriculum, and a compulsory subject for the 650,000 students ages 17 and 18 who every year sit the bac. Once you arrive in France, you need to validate the visa within 3 months. Many expat students repeat a year, although there is no stigma with this. The basic four year class structure is as follows: There are two types of private school in France: contracted (sous contrat) or non-contracted (hors contrat) to the French government. The majority of schools in France are state schools. end of term reports from the previous year. A guide to the French school system: state-run and private schools, list of CIS member and accredited international schools in France. To send a link to this page you must be logged in. Wedn… To read about the French education system, see Expatica’s guide to the school system in France. However, bear in mind that your child will take much longer to become fluent in French, make French friends, and integrate into French society. Most private schools receive funding from the government. Enrolment is often first-come-first-served. Expatica helps make your expat journey the experience you've always wanted. Millions of French children returned to school on Monday after more than three months at home due to the novel coronavirus outbreak. If you’re moving to France, this guide to schools in France will help you choose the right school for your child: a local state school, a state-contracted private school, a fully independent private school – which includes international and bilingual schools – or even homeschooling. The Council of International Schools has a list of CIS member and accredited international schools in France. If you are looking to attend a … If a child doesn’t achieve the grades they will have to repeat the year (redoubler) – this is much more common in France, 6. What’s it like to teach English in… France? It is legal to home educate your child in France. A Masters in France is normally two years in duration. To obtain this, you will have to show: Foreign documents may need to translated by an official translator, traducteur assermenté. proof of residence – usually a copy of a utility bill or rental agreement showing your home address. NOTE: These settings will only apply to the browser and device you are currently using. Parents may also be asked to show proof of identity, which can include copies of passports, cartes de séjour, or cartes d’identité, and possibly proof of insurance. Primary school is called école primaire and children start in September of the year they turn 6 – so … To enroll your child into French education there is an array of schools in France to consider: state schools, private schools, or international schools. You then take the certificate d’inscription to the school, along with vaccination and health certificates and insurance certificate. Fees can be high, although some expat relocation packages cover this. It is also legal to home school in France under the guidance of the schools inspectorate. This is usually followed by up to three years in lycée. State education is also free, and generally considered of a high standard. 9. What are the monthly cost of living in France? The Ministry of Education is responsible for France’s state schools. Elementary school (enseignement élémentaire) begins at age 6 and lasts for 5 years. 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