French high school students are preparing to launch a new stage of their campaign for improved conditions, with a fresh wave of demonstrations scheduled for Tuesday, October 12, 2026. The movement, which began in mid-September, has been aimed at pressuring the government to address issues such as large class sizes and crumbling school infrastructure. Despite a reported drop in the number of blockades and meetings outside schools on Friday, the students remain determined to push for change.
The French government has been keen to see the student protests end, particularly given the planned demonstrations next Saturday to protest the cost of living. The government is still reeling from the impact of the Yellow Vest movement, which began in 2018 over a planned fuel tax rise and resulted in massive demonstrations and clashes between police and protesters. The authorities are concerned that the student protests could escalate into a wider movement.
The government has already counted the cost of the high school protests, with damage caused by the demonstrations estimated to be at least 30 million euros. Over 6,800 people have been detained since the demonstrations started, with 86 percent of them being minors. The use of stun grenades by police has been suspended after one student lost his hand, and 18 alleged cases of misconduct within the police ranks are being investigated.
In an effort to address the students' demands, the government has come up with concrete proposals. Education Minister Edouard Geffray announced that 3,000 substitute teachers would be deployed to replace absent staff at the 114 worst-affected high schools. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu also promised to make changes to the planned budget 2027 to respond to some of the demands set out in an online platform.
However, the student organizations behind the protests are yet to be convinced by the government's proposals. The Union of High School students described the initial announcements as "crumbs" and maintained their demand for an extra 10 million euros to be invested in the country's lycees. The students are determined to push for more significant changes to address their concerns.
The protests have garnered significant support, with 54 percent of respondents backing the high school student protests in a recent poll. The students have the most sympathy with complaints about excessive class sizes and the need to renovate crumbling schools. Tens of thousands of people took part in last Thursday's student demonstrations, with 71,500 people mobilized across France.
As the protests continue, France's 10,000 medical students are beginning to express concern about the impact of continued school blockades on their exams, which start on Monday and help determine their eventual specialty. The students' action has disrupted the education of many students, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days.
Key points
- The French government has estimated that the damage caused by the high school protests is at least 30 million euros.
- Over 6,800 people have been detained since the demonstrations started, with 86 percent of them being minors.
- The student organizations behind the protests are demanding an extra 10 million euros to be invested in the country's lycees.
