French Education System: Overview, Levels, Institutes & more

Overview of French Education System

The French Education System is a centralised, most structured, and rigorous academic framework in Europe. It adheres to a coherent progression from preschool to higher education. The France education system is divided into age-specific stages, and it is characterised by robust state presence in the funding of education. Moreover, France offers an accessible and updated education programs that assists in satisfying the demands of the developing economy. The education in France is compulsory from 3 to 16, and it is divided into three parts: primary, secondary, and higher education. Let’s explore them in detail in the next section.

French Education System: Age, Level, and Institutes

France is considered to be the home of some prestigious specialised schools and universities, and it offers globally recognised education and cutting-edge qualifications that help students to stand out from the competition. In the French education system structure, there are four levels from kindergarten to the graduating level.

1. Preschool (écoles maternelles) – ages 3 to 6
2. Primary school (école élémentaire) – ages 6 to 11
3. Middle school (collège) – ages 11 to 15
4. High school (lycée) – ages 15 to 18

Here is the French education system chart that will give you a crisp overview of the French education structure, divided into all levels.

Let’s understand these levels in more detail through the following sections.  

Preschool Education in France

The primary French education system level is preschool (écoles maternelles). It provides education for children aged 3 to 6. This age children attend mainly day care or kindergarten. Classes here assist in developing reading, writing, and numeracy skills. Also, this conducts many activities and plays games that are important for a child’s brain development. This French school system helps to promote social, language, sensory and motor skills. It has three sections: Petite Section (PS), Moyenne Section (MS), and Grande Section (GS).

The Primary School System in France

In France, children from the ages of 6 to 11 attend primary school (école élémentaire), and they are required to complete five years of study. This French school system includes

• CP (Cours préparatoire) – ages 6 to 7
• CE1 (Cours élémentaire 1) – ages 7 to 8
• CE2 (Cours élémentaire 2) – ages 8 to 9
• CM1 (Cours moyen 1) – ages 9 to 10
• CM2 (Cours moyen 2) – ages 10 to 11

It lays the foundation for learning, reading, writing, including subjects like maths, science, social science, history, geography, civics and other foreign languages. A skill evaluation is provided through the Unique School Record. After completing this, students enter middle school, or you can say secondary school. You will find two types of schools for this education in France, public and private. Public schools are run by the government and NGO, and private schools are mainly based on religious, boarding facilities and more.

The Secondary School System in France

The secondary school system is administered by the Ministry of Education, and students between the ages of 11 and 15 have to attend middle school, which is college. By law, all children are required to go to school until they are 16. There are two options here: Collège (lower secondary) and Lycée (upper secondary), which are the last three years of secondary education. Thus, in this schooling in France, there are three types of lycée: lycée général or lycée technologique, which are attended by academic-minded students. Lycée professionnel is for vocational education. The lycée consists of Year 10 (Seconde), Years 11 & 12 (Première & Terminale) and Baccalauréat. Here is the breakdown of secondary education

Collège (Lower Secondary): Ages 11-15 (Grades 6ème to 3ème).

Lycée (Upper Secondary): Ages 15-18 (Grades Seconde, Première, Terminale).

• Seconde (2nde): Equal to US 10th Grade (age 15-16).
• Première (1ère): Equal to US 11th Grade (age 16-17).
• Terminale (Tle): Equal to US 12th Grade (age 17-18)

Here students learn about various subjects in an advanced format, from mathematics to science fields like biology, physics and Chemistry. Also about various arts subjects and technological subjects. At the end of high school (lycée), students must appear for the Baccalauréat exams, which is the exam to test all subject areas. This French education system marks the most important level as it is the foundational years of education to think about their career development.

Graduating in France –LMD Framework

Graduating in France is counted among the LMD framework. Here you enrol in the university to pursue bachelor's, master's and doctorate. The LMD framework is offered at this level of the education system in the French language, which is considered to be the bachelor’s degree. Additionally, Universities, Grandes écoles and Specialized Schools. Here is the explanation   of this

1. Universities – In French universities, you can acquire an academic, professional or technical degree in a license, master's or doctoral form.   
2. Grandes écoles – This is a specialised academic institute which can be both public and private. This offers highly specialised programs of study in subjects ranging from business, management, public administration, and IT.  Once you graduate from a Grande école institute, you will be awarded a master’s degree.
3. Specialised Schools – In this type of academic level, you get training for a professional course. Also, they mainly focus on the specialised subjects such as social work, tourism, art and architecture. In this school, you can acquire a master's or a license degree.

France Qualifications Framework

The France Qualifications Framework is an education in France. It is an 8-level education system which is aligned with a European Qualifications Framework (EQF). This is a classifying academic and professional qualification by the complexity of knowledge and skills. It uses the national RNCP database, from vocational level 3 (CAP) to doctorate level 8 (PhD/DBA). Hence, this ensures comparability for citizens and employers across Europe. The key levels include Bac (L4), Licence (L6) and Master (L7). Here are all the levels and diplomas stated below

Level 3: CAP (Vocational Aptitude Certificate).

Level 4: Baccalauréat (High School Diploma).

Level 5: BTS, BUT (2 years post-Bac).

Level 6: Licence (3 years post-Bac).

Level 7: Master, Engineering Diploma (5 years post-Bac).

Level 8: Doctorate/PhD, DBA (8+ years post-Bac).

Cost of Education in France

France is famous for its arts, culture and creativity and students around the world desire to study in France. However, it can cost a pretty penny and depends on the level of education you want to acquire. Choosing the right college after secondary school can be challenging, but using the College Finder tool can help you get the best university. But before that, knowing the cost of studying in France is significant to outline the budget. Here is the table for the same. Have a look.

French Education System Pros and Cons

Every country has two sides, and if you think pursuing studies in France is all rainbows and sunshine, then you are in a dilemma. Just like other countries, France education system has some pros and cons. Here are some French education system pros and cons. Have a look.

Pros of studying in France

1. Academic Excellence: It is said that excellence is the middle name of every French university. Every level of the education system offers quality academic programs to students. Also, the schooling in France and its degree is recognised all over the world.
2. Cultural immersion: Studying in France allows you to experience various cultural immersions. You get many opportunities to explore not only French culture but also meet new people who belong to different cultures.
3. European Advantage: France is situated in the heart of Europe, streamlining travel to neighbouring countries and enriching the country exploration experience. Also, a French degree holds an international prestige that enhances the employability in European countries and beyond.
4. Numerous Scholarships: French universities offer over 500 scholarships and other financial aid to students to help them study in this country. Although the public universities charge low fees, they also provide financial aid that helps students achieve their dream of studying here.      

Cons of studying in France 

1. Language Barrier: French is the official language of France, making it difficult for non-natives to learn and become proficient. Mainly, institutes teach in the French language, and a few institutes are English medium.
2. Expensive Cost of Living: The French education system might become pocket-friendly, but the cost here can break your arm and leg. Especially if you're eyes are on Paris to reside and study, then you must know that it is the most expensive place to live as the rent is high. 
3. Cultural integration: When it comes to greetings, manners, and conversations, France usually becomes formal and hierarchical. It can be problematic to adapt to this new culture as their greetings and manners are far different from those of a person who comes from a distinctive culture.

Conclusion

Here we come to the end of this blog, and hope this will be helpful to you to understand the French education system. France is a beautiful country famous for its culture, arts, food and the Eiffel Tower. However, while studying in this country, many students face problems, one of the major ones is the language barrier, cultural understanding and adapting to a new environment. But if you have decided to study here and need guidance, then you can take help from the Study Abroad Consultants at Gradding.com. They will help you in your study abroad journey. Also, you can use their tool, like the course finder tool, to choose the ideal course to study in this nation.

FAQ

1. How is the French education system different from the U.S. or U.K.?

The French education system is highly academic and centralised, with a national curriculum and highly focused on critical thinking/ theory. The major high-stakes exams are like the Baccalauréat, but with less emphasis on school extracurricular and sports. Also, in the French education system, longer school days or lunches are offered. Public school quality has consistently maintained at a high level.              

2. What is the Baccalauréat, and why is it important?

The Baccalauréat or “Bac” is France’s national high diploma and university entrance exam. This makes the end of the secondary education one of the vital and globally recognised qualification that signifies academic readiness for higher education. It offers a broad curriculum through several tracks, such as general, professional, and technological. Also, it promotes disciplines, develops many skills such as critical thinking, and strong oral and written French skills.      

3. Is education in France free, and how are costs handled?

French education in primary and secondary schools is free. Higher institutions, like public universities, are highly subsidised by the government. It requires payment of tuition fees or registration costs, varying by nationality and degree level.     

4. How does France support students with disabilities or non-French speakers?

France supports students with disabilities through inclusive policies, dedicated support staff (AESH), personalised plans (PPS) via the MDPH/ CDAPH, adapted resources (ULIS, SEGPA), and financial aid. Conversely, non-French speakers receive specific inclusion projects and bilingual resources to help them learn the French language and engage in daily use. This reflects a robust focus on educational equality for all.             

5. What reforms are currently happening in French education?

Currently, French education is undergoing significant reforms that focus on “core skills (math/French) in smaller groups”. This helps to boost civic & moral education, tackling AI and digital literacy, modernising vocational training, promoting inclusion/wellbeing (phone ban/support), and enhancing teacher training and pay. All this under the law of “school of trust”, aiming for equity and 21st –century inclination, with continuing shifts towards digital skills and practical skills